How can these plants be protected from the cold temperatures and blowing winds of New England winters?
The ideal way to protect your new plants would be to plant them in soil within a cold frame. If you do not have a cold frame, plant them directly outdoors using mulch, windbreaks, and periodic monitoring. Mulching, but only after the soil has frozen, is very important; it prevents alternate freezing and thawing. Further winter protection can be provided by covering the plants with an inverted basket, burlap, or any material that will break the wind and shelter the plant. Check your plants periodically, especially during extreme weather. If a plant has been dislodged by wind or frost heaving, carefully reset it and water it well.
