306 AROUND THE YEAR IN THE GARDEN 



collect, resulting in a frozen mass of ice and mulch that in- 

 jures the plant, or keeps the ground about it frozen in spring 

 until long after the rest of the garden has thawed out. 



Winter Protection for Tall Plants 



A number of plants require protection different from, or 

 in addition to, that afforded by mulching. Some of the 

 tenderer roses and shrubs, which might be injured by severe 

 weather, are jacketed with straw. For this purpose ever- 

 green boughs, or clean, long rye straw and tarred string 

 should be used. A good way of putting on a jacket of this 

 sort is to have a number of adjustable corn ties to use while 

 getting it on and making it firm and snug, then to wind 

 securely with tarred twine, when the corn ties may be re- 

 moved for the next plant. Still other plants, such as hardy 

 azaleas, or fruits trained against the south side of a wall, may 

 need protection from the sun and to prevent premature 

 swelling in the spring. A mulch on the ground will, of 

 course, tend to hold the roots back, but a sun shield is 

 sometimes also required. Such a shield may be constructed 

 by putting up stout posts, of any height required, stretching 

 across these a few stout wires, and interlacing evergreen 

 branches. A similar fence may be made to serve as a wind 

 shield. 



The more tender roses and standard or tree roses, which 

 are more susceptible to winter injury than the same varieties 

 grown in bush form, may be given efficient protection in 

 severe climates by being taken up, roots and all, and win- 

 tered over in a trench or a deep frame, covered with hay 

 or straw, with a foot or so of soil on top. If the ground is 

 very dry give the soil round each plant a thorough soaking 

 with the hose the day before taking up. Cut down about 

 each plant with a sharp edger or spade that will cut the 

 roots off clean and leave a good ball of earth. Climbing 

 roses may be laid down, the tips being held in place with 

 earth or a notched stick, and covered with mulch or dirt. 

 In this way many of the beautiful semi-hardy climbers may 



