This year I am trying something new with my hardy Crinums. They come back readily each year here in 7b, but winter freezes take them down to soil level. It always seemed like a waste to have them start over from soil level each year, so this year I'm applying a deep layer of wood chips (8 or more inches) around them to see if the necks can make it through intact. As the winter progresses, I intend to top the beds with dried leaves. Has anyone else in the winter-feeze zones done anything like this? Robert.