On Sunday I took this photo of a red shrimp plant for my Garden Bloggers Bloom Day post.
A few hours later I walked through the same spot and noticed all but one of those same blooms missing.
I knew right away what had happened. The deer, again. Even though I had been out in the yard much of the time and they don't usually bother shrimp plants.
So I looked around....
I didn't have to look far because these two were over by the creek grazing and watching me. They even waited while I retrieved the camera and calmly posed for their mug shots.
Busted!
Later in the day I found this damage to a Bush Morning Glory in the front yard so it will have to move behind the fence.
We also planted a row of Hesperaloe parviflora along the driveway Sunday afternoon. The next morning several had been pulled out.
Deer typically inspect new plants this way so it wasn't a surprise even though hesperaloe are not palatable to deer. My husband put them back in the ground and there was only a little damage since these are pretty tough plants.
In the last two cases, the "perp" made a clean getaway. That's a lot of damage in just two days.
It's all part of living with deer in the neighborhood.
I have memories of my mothers battles with the deer when I was a kid. She tried everything to keep them away, nothing worked. Your ability to "roll with the punches" is admirable. I hope your plants recover, and are ignored in the future!
ReplyDeleteThanks DG, the deer were walking through the yard when we first looked at the house but I wasn't a gardener then. I keep special plants on the deck since they haven't learned to climb the steps yet.
DeleteApparently hair, human hair, harvested from your friendly local hairdresser - will dissuade South African antelope from eating crops or garden plants. Anyone tried it on your deer?
DeleteI have heard of that and seen it discussed on various forums, but have not tried it. According to what I've read, the hair must be applied all over the plant so it sounds yucky. All of the deterrents I have read about require frequent application so the best approach for me is to choose deer resistant plants and/or locate them accordingly.
DeleteOh no...Not your beautiful shrimp plants. Sounds like the deer had a little shrimp cocktail, ha:) I'm starting to appreciate the fact I don't have to deal with this obstacle while gardening.
ReplyDeleteIt is a challenge and can be difficult since so many good plants are taken out of consideration.
DeleteFunny, they haven't bothered the 'Fruit Cocktail' shrimp plant yet. It's next to a rosemary which probably helps.
Ah...the sweet little deary deer. You never know what they'll go after.
ReplyDeleteI've had them chomp something that they left alone for a year or more. I guess, nothing is safe.
Glad you have a fenced area. That's the only thing I've found that will stop them. And, even that's not fool proof. I helped my neighbor chase one out of her fenced yard recently. Luckily, it didn't chow down on her roses.
Those shrimp plant blooms were really pretty.
The fenced area is narrow and they can't see a clear landing spot which helps. I'm glad your neighbors roses are okay.
DeleteThe deer here have eaten our vegetable gardens, but thankfully (so far) usually keep away from the ornamentals. Deer are adorable, but what a pain and bother to the gardener! I hope you can find some solution. It must be frustrating to try to garden knowing things could be eaten at any time!
ReplyDeleteIt can be frustrating, but I enjoy a challenge now and then.
DeleteWhen I used to visit my in-laws who live in western Oklahoma years ago, you would never see deer. In the last 10 years you see them everywhere. I guess there's an explosion in numbers and I don't think they as afraid of people as they used to be.
ReplyDeleteIt does seem there are more deer in many neighborhoods now and a lot more information is available for dealing with them in the garden than there was 15 years ago.
ReplyDeleteThe deer in this neighborhood were basically trapped by development 30 years ago and are quite famous in the area for all the controversy about how to deal with them.
They aren't exactly tame and will run if approached, which I try not to do since they are unpredictable.
I don't think I'd mind having that issue but I know it's maddening for some like my Grandmother:) Her apples and pears get eaten off the trees.
ReplyDeleteYes, they can be maddening but I try to keep everything in perspective. The deer can reach pretty high so fruit is definitely not safe. Pomegranates might be the best fruit around deer since the skins are leathery.
ReplyDeleteI think this post I just found answered my question....but let me double check. She has deer and wants a shrimp plant...thoughts????
ReplyDeleteThe shrimp plants are still out there and I added more from the swap this week. The deer have left them alone as other plants they like better are up. I also have planted salvias and plant deer don't like around them.
DeleteIf a deer just nibbles a plant I usually keep it because they nibble everything at some point.
excellent - thanks Shirley! My friend really wants a shrimp plant...the deer just ate her purple shamrock and she is feeling bummed....so I would like to help her pick a plant that is shade tolerant and preferably the deer won't touch....any other thoughts?
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of them, I put a lot of sun plants in the shade. Duranta and Salvias are good in both sun and shade.
DeleteThe oxalis or purple shamrock does get eaten but it comes back without much problem.
really!? Wow - cool....okay I will suggest these. What about mex. oregano in the shade???? Thank you Shirley!
DeleteHeather if you're on Facebook find me and we'll discuss it over there. So many good plants on the list and really too many to list here. I am working on listing plants in my garden but that will take a while.
DeleteAnother reason to get on facebook! ;) I do not have a facebook but when I do I will find you. Thanks Shirley
ReplyDelete