As many of you know this summer the raccoons, ground hogs, bunnies and possums all came together in a perfect storm of destruction in parts of my garden. They used every God given “talent” they had to dig up, tunnel under, break down and nibble away so much beauty. In turn we stalked them on the critter cam, set traps, sprayed repellent, sprinkled cayenne pepper, built fences and planted more plants.
That is behind us for now… and we are seeing much beauty in those areas — from behind a fence of course.
THE CARNAGE…
Dahlias where shredded and knocked over, yarrow disappeared, orlaya and cosmos were devoured never to return, zucchini destroyed, and so much more.
DETERRENTS USED…
BEAUTY IN CAPTIVITY
COME BACK KIDS…
These two plants were eaten to the ground more than once but are now looking fantastic.
FENCING…
We did what we could quickly and while the fence has definitely worked; working around a fence is not ideal. I want to get up close and personal with all my plants! My goal next year is to not need the fence or at least have Mr. G design something that can easily go up and down. We’ll see what the varmints think of that. 😳
For more about the destruction stage, read on here… (LINK).
JAPANESE BEETLES
I am seeing so few Japanese Beetles this year compared to years past. How about you?
One of the award-winning leaders of our rose society (Indianapolis Rose Society) Mark Nolen has been keeping detailed notes for years on the Japanese Beetles in his beautiful garden of more than 200 roses. Mark recently wrote an article about what he is seeing this year and why he thinks things are different. READ HERE
Here is Mark, his wife Cathy, and some of their beautiful roses…
ROSE CHAT
MY GARDEN JOURNEY
Claudia Weekes (@theorganizedHOMEMAKER)
One of most delightful gardeners you’ll ever meet is Claudia Weekes. She joined me on Rose Chat to talk about her garden journey. Claudia has a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and Wellness and a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics which has allowed her to work as a registered dietitian, wellness coach, and nutrition consultant. Claudia says she is happiest when she is helping others AND digging in the dirt. She brings all that she is into the garden with her each day and gives her followers a perfect combination of wellness tips, practical advice, and great gardening.
PS: Roses are her favorite flower too!
LISTEN HERE
PETITE PEACH THIS WEEK…
Petite Peach is having a great summer! I love how she pairs with another favorite rose Mother of Pearl!
In this image below you see the difference in Petite Peach and her “mother” Petite Pink…
BLOOM THYME THIS WEEK…
Even with a few varmints to aggravate us and keep us on our toes, the garden – and the world – are filled with joy and beauty. Let’s have eyes and hearts that strive to see it.
God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. Ephesians 3:20-21
Until next time…. have fun in your garden!
I wonder if the animals’ habitats are being destroyed due to new developments whether it is new homes or shopping centers where the trees, shrubs, vines, their source or food, are gone. But, still, you have some beautiful roses and other flowers to enjoy and post. I always look forward to reading your blogs. Thank you so much.
Those are some delightful roses. Well, it is all delightful. Our summer was very slow to start this year. Roses otherwise bloom early here. They are not doing as well as they typically do.
Beautiful photos T. Yes, rabbits are as troublesome as my destructive neighbor this year. Fencing is a hassle indeed, but it does keep chewers away! G will be busy engineering solutions for next year. 😉 Few Japanese beetles here in central VA, and the rabbits left my Moonbeam coreopsis drift alone. Rabbits did have “tastes” of too many of my Davidii phlox early, and with little rain, the pollinators must be creative to find nectar. Now to attempt to regrow grass seed next month! XX