Death by kitties (5)

Can I go ahead and cut the stalks to these lilies? Or should I just try to prop them up or something?

Thanks
Dee

I would leave those stalks propped up somehow , as the lily gets the energy for next year's growth through the leaves. At least then you have a chance at saving the bulb. Cut it back only AFTER all the leaves are brown. That's what I'd do.

I agree. I have actually contrived splints for lilies that are broken but not all the way separated and they healed back like a graft. Even if they don't heal back the longer you can keep the green on them the better. I have the same problem with the neighborhood kitties. They sure like to roll around on the lily stems. This year several were completely broken off but chances are they will be back next year, just set back a bit in size.

OK. I have taken your advice. I have propped them up with a small wire fence thing that I had around some plants. I hope this helps.

One more question. Do I cut my lilies back after the leaves turn brown or do I just leave them alone and let nature do its thing?

Thanks so much for all the help!!

Dee

Cut them back and remove them from the garden. Leaving it to nature provides a great environment for unwanted pests.

I'm curious, why do the cats like to roll around in lilies? People keep giving me catmint and I keep giving it away because I don't want to attract the local neighborhood furball. As it is, he lurks in my garden at night hunting mice who like to feast on the dropped birdseed. The only damage he did last year was knock my birdbath off its pedestal. Lord knows what he was doing up there in the middle of the night.

I have these five kittens, not by choice. The people across the street from me moved and left both their cats, one is a Himilayan (sp) and this mama cat, who BTW was pregnant.

They took up residence at my house uninvited, but since I do like cats, or at least I used to before everything has been destroyed by these kittens, I allowed them to stay. Maybe it was a mistake.

All I can say is, it is a good thing these kittens are soooo cute. Or they would be gone.

Of course, I fuss and then twice a day I take food out to them. Go figure. :)

Thanks for answering my questions. I just got these lilies last year and really didn't know what or how to do.

Dee

Post pic of culprits. I love seeing those innocent little faces.

I went out and tried to get a new photo. But, it must be too hot for them. They were no where to be found.

But, here are a few shots that I took a week or so ago.

BTW.....Innocent (???)

Another shot.

Another. These shots do not include all of the kittens. We have one that we call 'Clone" because she looks exactly like her mother. Then there is 'Spitfire" because he is always jumping at things. He's the yellow and white stripe posing for the camera in one of the pictures. Then there are 'The Twins' (fraternal, of course one is female the other male), then we have 'Zip', he is solid dark charcoal grey with a small white tip on his tail.

Another thing that is handy for repairing bent stems is that green, sticky florists tape ~ the kind you finish corsages with. Put it on rather snug and thick, you can't even see it and holds up great. :)

That is exactly what I use. You can stretch it and it kind of sticks to itself.

Looks innocent to me. Must have been that dog that lives down the street.

Oh that is heartbreaking! I feel so bad for you. I also took in a momma cat and I've had lots of problems with them busting up my daylilies; scapes and fans. They seem to especially like "Dominic". I dont think it will be coming back because the cats have rolled and fought in that spot until there's nothing but a marker left; like a little metal headstone lol

Kelly in OK

LOL That's why God made kitties, puppies and babies so cute ~ so you don't kill 'em.

I have a rotten one, too ~ here's Kat right after she tried to bite DH's nose AGAIN. BTW, it's pronounced 'cot'. :)

I will try some of the florists tape. I would have never thought of that one.

Moby....Kat is just adorable....even if she is a biter.

Mud_Blood...the lilies aren't the only thing in my garden to be destroyed. They attacked hostas, rosebushes, ferns, yes even some of my daylilies. Heck they even got into my seedling bed.

If we are going to keep this momma cat...to the vet!

Dee :)