The Obsessive Neurotic Gardener

Posted on by Posted in Deer, Perennials .

Yesterday, I posted a photo of a ‘Bowl of Beauty’ peony in bud and literally an hour later, it bloomed like an SOB. It is the only bloom so far out of three different plants and I dig it because it gives me a chance to ogle the one bloom for the next day or so:

There was also just one Iris sibirica ‘Snow Queen’ bloom as of yesterday and overnight it turned into Bloomapalooza:

Same goes for the Iris sibirica ‘Ruffled Velvet’:

And just in case you didn’t know already, I sort of like my Catmint:

Just to keep on my toes, the deer have appeared in droves the past two days. This young fellow was running around the yard like he was lost and while it was sweet and all, I calmly escorted him off the property and gave him by best intimidating sneer:  

True story, I stepped outside at 5:45 to run this morning and saw a large heap of animal in the backyard with a bird perched atop. I assumed it was a deceased deer and was planning on how to dispose of said carcass but when I got within ten feet, the deer jumped up, I peed myself and the deer ran off. The deer must have been in serious REM sleep when I approached because it didn’t move. When I returned from my run, the deer had returned to it’s favorite place and is most likely, still there:      

I’ve finally learned to keep my camera nearby and ready to go so I can hopefully capture some decent shots of the wildlife. This morning, I was the “bird hunter” and despite taking maybe one hundred photos, these are the only pics that came out OK. Bird photography is not a strong suit right now, but I’ll keep working on it:

Finch in a River Birch tree 

Cardinal on the weed filled playground

Good times for all!
John

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24 Responses

  1. I can’t even imagine having to deal with deer, although very cute but devastating to a garden. Love the blues in your garden! When you figure out the trick to bird photography let me know.

  3. Now how come your peony looks like it should…like in the magazines and what not but mine just looks like a big mess of pedals. Pretty but not like yours….

  4. Hahaha…Oh don’t you love a good morning adventure;) DO you have a dog? To scare away the deer….Oh never mind. I cannot imagine your flowers at the mercy of a canine. (Especially like the ones I own;)) Happy day to ya. Thanks for sharing your beauty there yet again. Jealous as we all may be;))

  5. I love bowl of beauty! It will be a month before mine blooms here in the highlands of Western MT. Lovely to see yours in all its glory! My daughter (the other half of Hermity Farmer-Women) is a mighty huntress — but it does not seem to deter the deer.

  6. We don’t see deer at the ranch often anymore but we do have beautiful cardinals like your picture here. Beautiful flowers as always.

  8. I love that peony, had it at my last home. I now have Krinkled White and no room for any more. Your flowers look lovely, even that pesky deer looks beautiful!

    Eileen

  10. Love your photos! 🙂 Chuckled with you over the deer. They don’t come that close around either of our places. 🙂

  11. We have deer all over the place here. They drink the bird seed. I have an awful time taking bird photos too…I suspect I need a very expensive camera to zoom up on them better. I wish I could ogle a peony…none here in our nuclear heat…yours is pretty.

  12. I loved Peonies every since I laid eyes on them in my grandmother’s yard, but never found time to plant any of my own.

    I have just recently fallen in love with Irises. Both the Peonies and Irises are very lovely, you have very nice taste.

  13. That particular peonie is pretty!
    Do you have a dog? Maybe a dog would scare away deer?

    ~GonSS

  16. omg my comp won’t let me follow anyone right now I hope that gets fixed what ever is making that happen

  18. Your garden is a beauty & I like the Catmint, too, very pretty! =)
    ROFLMBO at the deer story… Thank you oodles for that! =0
    Birds ARE hard to photograph & yours are great… I love Cardinals, btw! =)

    Thank you so much for dropping in & I’ll definitely be swinging back by your blog, too!!!

  19. Hello and thank your for being Follower 201 at Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes!

    Your photos are just beautiful, maybe you can help me with my gardening tips! I like to fancy myself a gardener but the yard is a disaster!

    Have a great weekend!

    Mary

  21. Gorgeous peony bloom…and the bud is pretty, too. We have way too many deer around here (and deer ticks, too. I’ve been bitten twice in the last couple of wks)…I can’t even step on the grass without double checking myself when I go back inside. I burst out laughing when I read about your startling deer encounter–must have had your heart racing! That would have REALLY freaked me out!

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