steve-in-kville wrote:
...Some beds I piled high with leaves and topped with straw, almost burying the small plants. Can't see any harm in this. Hopefully my 'boo does better next year.
The only potential harm is that some critters might find this a nice place to overwinter and/or feed on shoots or rhizomes. I think it's a small chance but still wanted to mention it.
A few years back I tarped over several potted bamboos that were laid down on the ground. I mulched the pots heavily and when I dug them out in the spring there were shrew (or vole?) tunnels all over the place in the mulch touching the pots.