Re: Browning leaves,

> If you have the time, the Martha Stewart approach is to gather the long 
> dying leaves in bunches, fold them over once or twice and use a few 
> leaves to tie them with a bow (still planted and all).  Makes neat little 
> packages and they still get their goodies stored up for next year.
> Either that or interplant them with something that gets tall quickly...

I've often wondered about the tying up approach -- even the Master 
Gardener's plot here at the University of Illinois does that (I think).

But I wonder...  Wouldn't that cut back on the total exposed surface
area of the leaves, thus minimizing the total amount of light used for
photosynthesis?  Or does it really matter that much?

Anyone know of any tests/experiments along these lines?

I generally like to plant my bulbs among hostas and groundcovers
like vinca or sweet woodruff.  Anything that will mask the dying
foliage somewhat is good -- daylilies, later blooming bulbs, etc...

Chris
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