SPRIXF AND FALL MANAGEMENT. 109 



In many cases, the flower borders, if not in too conspicuous 

 a place, would be much better if the stalks of herbaceous and 

 other plants were not cut down in the fall ; for there is no 

 better protection than the stalks of plants, and especially if 

 leaves can be obtained from woods or elsewhere and put 

 around the crowns of the plants, in which case the stalks will 

 keep the light leaves in their places until the snow binds them 

 down. .Recollect that nature has given leaves and stalks to 

 plants as a natural covering, and therefore they are best 

 adapted to the purpose. 



Covering Vines and Running Roses. The Multiflora 

 Rose, and other tender kinds, require covering during winter in 

 some parts of the States, as do many kinds of running vines. 

 This may be effected by taking the plants entirely away from 

 the trellis, arbor, or the like ; then, with bass matting or other 

 string, tie them together compactly, and lay the whole on the 

 surface of the ground, where it may be fastened with hooked 

 sticks or other means ; the wood will require then to be co- 

 vered over two or three inches thick with leaves, long manure 

 or any thing that will keep it from being exposed to the 

 weather. In this state it may lay until the time of uncovering 

 in the spring. 



Covering monthly Roses and half hardy Shntbs with 

 Straw. The best method to perform this business, is to 

 drive down a stake near the centre of the plant, and about the 

 height of it ; this done, collect all the shoots and tie them 

 neatly around the stake, at three or four places, with bass 

 matting, osier twigs, or other strings ; this done, take a bundle 

 of wheat, or other straight straw, and place a quantity neatly 

 around the bush, butt end downwards, then bind the straw 

 with strings, in three or four places around the plant, in a 

 snug manner, as directed before, and place a shovel or two 

 of good rotten manure around the roots, to keep the straw 

 compact, and the intense frost from the roots of the plant. 



Herbaceous plants may be protected by covering around 

 them with rotten leaves, long manure, old tan, or any light 



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