WINTER PROTECTION 



83 



A snug covering of hay or straw over everytl 



Protecting Tree Roses is most important. Pampas grass 

 or eulalia or rye straw may be tied round the stems an inch 

 thick, but the top and union of stem and top are the critical 

 points. The branches, if pruned back a bit and tied up, leave 

 a convenient shape to encase in material that will turn sun, 

 wind, rain, snow, and ice. Try patent waterproof wrapping- 

 paper for this. In severe chmates roses are sometimes taken 

 up and buried bodily in a trench in the vegetable-garden and 

 then replaced in the spring. 



The home of a friend of mine (J. H. Nicolas of Indianapohs) 

 has been nicknamed ''Chateau de Champagne" because of 

 the winter appearance of his lawn. You see, he has devised a 

 most convenient method of winter protection for his bush 

 roses. He first cuts back the tops as required, and then ties 

 the branches up to an erect position, after which the straw 

 covers off champagne bottles, sht down one side, may be easily 

 made to cover them. Sometimes two are required for each bush. 

 In justice to Mr. Nicolas, and as additional evidence that rose 

 lovers are law-abiding citizens, let us hasten to add that Mr. 

 Nicolas imported directly from France an entire bale of empty 

 bottle covers. How neatly and almost "at attention" they 

 appear in use and how effectively they perform their function, 

 of adequate protection without risk of smothering, may be 

 readily judged from the picture on page 78. 



