29 



CHAPTER YL 



WINTER PROTECTION. 

 In other parts of this work we give directions how plants 

 and bulbs may be grown during the winter. The object of this 

 chapter is to suggest means to save or preserve those plants 

 that we have become so attached to that we do not like to see 

 them killed by frost ; we cannot hope to do more than keep 

 them in a comparatively dormant condition ; they would not 

 be ornamental in the parlor or window-garden, so they must 

 be consigned to the cold-pit or cellar. If a large number of 

 plants are to be cared for, a cold-pit or frame may be prepared 

 as follows: Select the drj^est situation in the garden, and ex- 

 cavate the soil to the depth of about three feet. If water is 

 found at this distance, it must be drained off, as it is of the 

 utmost importance that the atmosphere and soil be moderate- 

 ly dry, otherwise the plants will mould or rot off, and the de- 

 ciduous plants and bulbs will start to grow and will conse- 

 quently be damaged if not entirely spoiled. The pit may be 

 made any size desired; the inside may be boarded up, or if the 

 intention is to make it permanent, it should be built of brick 

 or stone. The south walls may be built two feet above the 

 level of the soil, and the north wall eight to ten inches higher ; 

 the east and west walls gradually raise from the level of the 

 south wall to the level of the north wall. This shape gives a 

 southern exposure, which is preferable, but not necessary for 

 the plants. Shelving should be made for the inside ; this 

 should be arranged two feet from the floor or bottom of the 

 pit; under this shelving we can "heel in," that is (plant or 

 bed out just as we would in the garden,) such deciduous 

 plants as Lemon, Verbenas, Hydrangeas, Pomegranates^ 

 Pampas Grasses, Crape, Myrtles, etc. On the shelves we can 

 grow tender bedding and pot plants, such as Geraniums, 

 Heliotrope, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, Monthly Roses, Car- 

 nations, Abulilons, etc. These plants should be potted at 

 least a month before it is necessary to put them in such a pit. 

 As we have said, this pit is only intended to keep them in 

 hence in order to be successful they must be well established* 

 stroDg and healthy. The pots should be sunk in ashes, saw- 



