WINTER PROTECTION AND MULCHING : Page 224

Bulbs and Lilies—Winter Protection of. Eremurus and thetenderest lilies should be protected by a mound of ashes which willhelp shed water and retain an even temperature. All bulbs should bemulched with leaves, manure, or litter. If bulbs are planted in theheavier types of soil it is quite necessary to cover the crown with agood mulch which will maintain in the ground a more even temperatureand will lessen the possibility of injury to the bulbs because of suddenfluctuations of temperature (freezing and thawing conditions), whichcause heaving of the soil. It should be borne in mind that bulbsstart growth very early in the spring. If the mulch is left on the sur-face of the ground until after the bulbs have started growth, especiallyin a sunny exposure, then the bulbs become spindly and strong plants