It seems as if every gardening website I am on, I am told a different number for my hardiness zone. Sometimes its 9, sometimes 9A, sometimes 10. Also, how important is this number? I have several items I would love to purchase, but not if they will not grow in my zone(hyacinths, dahlias, lilies, lilacs). Does anyone know what zone I am in and how much it matters? Also, anyone in my zone who has had experience with any of the flowers I mentioned (will they grow in my zone) please contact me.