Is anyone else concerned about their flowers?

Ours started popping up last week. We had a really mild winter so far. I guess the plants and bugs assume it is spring. But it is still a little chilly. So I decided to cover them up with some wood chips.

GH shared my concern about the flowers getting cold. And he was happy to help make a "blanket" for them.

Questions about nature stuff

Cutie Pie brought me this feather and asked what kind of bird it came from. Anyone know?

 

 All summer long I have been seeding our yard. Yet we continued to have huge patches with no grass. Honestly, I'd be happy with weeds. But, no such luck. I suspect it's because our children are always outside tearing it up;) Big Dog continues to think that dirt is a culinary delight. So someone suggested just putting down some wood chips to discourage him. Before I put the chips down I threw more seed down. Someone said it might have a better chance of growing. I can't believe it actually worked. I can see grass popping up in the front which has NEVER had grass before. Should I leave the wood chips down through the winter or rake them up after the first freeze? Any advice is appreciated.