Thursday, May 7, 2009

Scream

Its been said that theatre goers who heard Olivier's scream as the blinded Lear were haunted by it until their dying day.

The Man in Black's scream, the sound of ultimate suffering, was heard across the sea.

Trifles my friends.

The scream of Toad, who woke to find his prized deciduous Azaleas, eaten to the ground. That was screaming which will forever set the standards of screams. Did I mention they were a day of two from flowering? Did I complain about the hundreds of eaten hostas? No. Nibbles on the peonies. Hardly.


This photo is from the world renowned Exbury Gardens. It shows the effect I was going for. Now imagine mulch where the bushes are.


Toad

9 comments:

Martha said...

Toad -- I feel for you. Living in the city, our garden pests are grasshoppers and slugs. Both easily controlled. I don't know the havoc deer can do to a garden -- but I've heard stories. Horror stories like yours!

Anonymous said...

Recommend you take up archery. And buy a freezer.

Scott

Gail, northern California said...

I've been feeding our deer for years. Not by choice.

You'll have to fence the entire perimeter of your property or learn to love the look of flowers in metal cages.

So sorry.

Mrs. Blandings said...

I was just standing in front of the back door telling Mr. B how utterly charming I think bunnies are. I turned around and he looked like Norman Bates. They were dining on the hosta.

Kathleen said...

How horrible for you. Chin up and plan for next year. What else can you do?

I like Gail's suggestion to fence the perimeter. How high can deer jump?

Toad said...

Dear re actually very impressive animals. I have seen seen then jump a vertical leap of over 6 ft from a standing start.

A fence is the answer, but due to the topography somewhat impractical. A hungry animal will eat anything, but I tend to concentrate on hardier plants. Rhododendrons and evergreen azaleas. They may nip, but not destroy. The spray helps, but is difficult to live with.

Toad said...

for better or worse what wasn't eaten was destroyed in this evenings hail storm.

I'd rather the deer enjoyed it.

Kathleen said...

I just read a little about Deer Scram, http://deerscram.com/. Check it out. It may help.

Toad said...

Thank you Kathleen. I've just order a box, and will report back on its progress.

If wanted I'll also mail Mrs. B enough for her hostas.