Very many shrubs, vines, roses, etc., usually regarded as tender, may
yet be safely left standing in the garden if properly protected.
_The neck of plants_, _i. e._ that part at which the roots and stem
come together, requires thorough protection; both because it is the
most tender (as some say), and because it is at this point, that
freezing and sudden thawing must occur. The black soil absorbing heat
rapidly, the neck of a plant will be first and most affected by the
morning sun; and this is the reason, we think, rather than any special
tenderness of parts, why plants are killed at the crown of the root.
Let the ground be well covered with leaves or with coarse manure, and
let it come up three or four inches high on the stem. It is better to
have the top strawy, rather than dark colored manure.
_It is the sun_, and not the frost, that, for the most part, kills the
stems of half-hardy plants. Protection is often, therefore, only
thorough shading. The Bengal tea, and noisette roses are left out at
Philadelphia and at Cincinnati without detriment.
Drive a stake by the side of the plant, and drawing up the branches to
it, cover them with straw, or bass-matting wrapped around them. Kegs,
barrels, boxes, etc., may be turned over such as are not too high and
will sufficiently protect them. Air-holes should be bored in barrels,
etc., and the north side is the best for the purpose.
_Grape vines_ which need protection should be loosened from the
trellis or wall, pruned, laid down on the ground and earth thrown over
them three or four inches deep. Isabella and Catawba grape vines will
need no protection.