Cypripedium calceolus seedlings

[johanneshoeller]

We had very strong winters with a lot of snow the last 2 years (more than 2,5 m snow). In this year there is no breeze of winter and we have very high temperatures. So the plants in my alpine garden have started to grow and flower and many flowers are 2 months too early! Only my Cypripediums are sleeping very well.
But now I have seen a lot of Cypripedium calceolus seedlings between the older plants which are more than 1,5 cm high, have small leaves and are dark green, although they are covered. I expect the winter will be back in the next weeks and it will be much colder than now (-10°C or so).
What can I do so the seedlings can survive? 

Hans
from Austria 

[Heather Smith]

Wow!  I would like to have your problem, Hans. 

[Anthony Darby]

Sounds like they would be impossible to remove the seedlings short of digging up the clump and washing off all the soil? I would suggest a deep layer of loose pine needles may help keep the worst of the frost off?

[Lesley Cox]

That's a really good idea Anthony. I do exactly that with the Pleiones that I grow outside, a deep layer of loose pine needles as they're making buds and are likely to be frosted. It works a treat. Hans if the layer is flattened down by snow or rain, just sift it up through your fingers to loosen it and the little ones should be safe.

[gote]

Hans!
What happened??
Did they survive? did you have heavy frosts?
Göte