LIcenter thanks so much for your reply, the reddish brown leaves were green when I first planted two months ago. I have read that lack of nitrogen in the soil will cause that the leaves to turn color (reddish brown). I think I have seen a few new runners which have been green. The white hairs are coming from the plant below the ground surface, and appear to be from the roots, seeking nourishment. I hope the nitrogen rich compost I replaced the poor soil with takes care of the problem. I was afraid to follow them back to the plant and disturb it this far into winter as I felt bad enough breaking into its blanket of warmth and expose it to the cold as I did. Thanks so much again for your reply.