The Obsessive Neurotic Gardener

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Category Archives: Deer

Timber Press book giveaway – “50 Beautiful Deer-Resistant Plants”

Posted on August 12, 2011 by jmarkowski Posted in Book reviews, Deer, Giveaways .

As you know, I struggle mightily with deer chowing down on my plants throughout the year. I’ve tried using deer repellents and while I have had success, there is a need to continue the applications on a regular basis, especially each time after it rains. It can be very difficult to keep up with.

As a result, I’ve come to appreciate the truly “deer resistant” plants which I can put in the ground and then give the deer the middle finger knowing they won’t touch them. It also reduces my over the top, plant stress level. Just ask my wife.

The problem I have, however, is that my “deer resistant” plant palette is quite limited. Well guess what? There is a new book out on the market that is music to my ears:      

And guess what else? Timber Press, the publisher of this gem, is giving away a copy of the book. You can access this contest on the Timber Press giveaway page and can follow along as the contest unfolds on the Timber Press blog.

So head on over and give it a shot. You can enter up to four times and the contest ends on August 17th.

** Quick side note showing you how cool I am. I sat at the same dinner table with both the author of this book, Ruth Clausen, and the photographer of this book, Alan Detrick, in the Dallas Arboretum during last year’s Garden Writer’s Conference. I am by no means exaggerating when I say they were two of the most kind and warm people I’ve ever met. I was a schlubby garden blogger who had no right being there yet they made me feel right at home. I’ll never forget the experience. **

How you like me now?

John    

6 Comments .
Tags: Timber Press .

A peony, some iris and a near fatal encounter with a deer

Posted on May 26, 2011 by jmarkowski 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
24 Comments .
Tags: iris, peony .

Deer say the darndest things

Posted on September 23, 2010 by jmarkowski Posted in Deer .

I am feeling so blessed today so I figured why not express that joy with you all. My little way of sharing a cup of awesomeness with you. And please, feel free to share your tales of happiness as well. Let’s take all of these positive anecdotes and smush them together, roll them out with a rolling pin and bake one giant loaf of fantasticness. We’ll even add a pat of sweet butter to each glorious slice and chase it down with a glass (half full of course) of freshly squeezed orange juice. You with me? Super duper.

I just love the deer waltzing all over my property each morning and each evening:

It is such a sight to behold. And a funny story for you; they pulled this cute little stunt the other night. All spring and summer these darling little creatures stayed away from all of the plants near the house. I figured it was their gift to me for not shooting them on sight. Well, the little buggers got all nutty the other night, and this part is hysterical, they ate all of the sedums in my yard. How adorable:    

 

I am just so excited to not see the blooms during their peak time. The chewed stems and leaves lend so much character to the beds. What an unexpected surprise! That is the beauty of gardening, you never know what is going to happen and it is such a special feeling to baby plants all year only to have them destroyed when they are supposed to take center stage in the Fall garden.

         

  

 

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