Hens n chicks

Let me start by saying I am crazy about hens n chicks (mostly due to Pinterest). I have always grown sempervivem in my garden but have been being creative lately. I recently used some small recycled 3inch pots to stick in latice to make a sort of living wall, and made this globe using two coco-lined baskets held together with zip ties. I had my husband weld it to a steel beam, and it is suspended over broadmoor juniper. My question is this: I got a little carried away and didn't think about the overwintering of the sempervivem! I don't know if they will make it, and thought about maybe covering with a sheer sheet, and stuffing with straw or leaves? Any suggestions?
Anyone else crazy over hens n chicks?
Jessica

I don't know about the overwintering part of your question, but what you have done here is CUTE!!! Great ideas!

Love your idea using the lattice. Great idea! As far as the overwintering part, if the lattice was portable, maybe you could overwinter the plants in a garage?

Look out for clear dome that was used for protecting plants on the ground over winter. or wrap double thickness soft horticulture fleece, buy that at garden stores, the fleece allows enough light to get to the foliage but protects from cold / frost and wind which can burn the tender leaves.

Maybe other ideas will come your way but I'd be looking out for a solution now rather than waiting until the cold begins as the climate has been all upside down everywhere over the last year or so.
Good luck. WeeNel.

Does your house have recessed window wells? They make clear plastic covers for them, turns them into mini cold frames. That can often keep them above freezing.

Jessica, that is too cool. Pick up a cheap plastic umbrella, stick the handle into the top of the ball and drape plastic over it....that should be all the protection hens and chicks need for winter....make it long enough that you can weight the bottom with a couple bricks to keep the plastic in place. The umbrella will keep the plastic from touching the plants. Sempervivums are extremely cold hardy and very drought tolerant....but they can not handle cold and wet....I think they are hardy in zones 4 through 8, and you are in zone 5? The plastic and umbrella should work just fine.

http://www.youngs-garden.com/succulents/planting-hens-and-chicks/



I think I may try your idea, but will use hooks and chain and make a hanging ball....you are one inventive cookie....grin

I had my hen & chicks in a kids wheel barrow for years here in upstate NY and I never covered them, when I moved into an apartment I gave them to a friend on LI and they are still doing great. I love hen & chicks, I started growing them on my balcony this year, they arent growing great but they are growing non the less. I LOVE your ideas.
Christine

What a great idea themoonhowl!

Thanks Nefitara...I use the umbrellas to protect some of my cacti/succulents when we get days of rain on top of rain down here...beats having to move all the pots around and they still get plenty of light and air. (Basically I am a lazy gardener and look for ways to foster that...LOL)

I have some in a plastic pot on my patio out in the open and always leave them outside all winter because I'm forgetful. They've survived five cold Iowa winters that way. However, they have much deeper soil in their pot than what they may have in your set-up. I second the idea about plastic window well covers. You can find those at any hardware/home improvement place.