Hi everyone, my name as the sign on reads is Donna and I live close to the south coast of RI. I’m not a novice but by no means am I an experienced gardener. I do well with the native perennials and your basic out of the 6 pack garden shop annuals. I was getting board with the basics so I decided to broaden my horizons with all kind of plants that I didn’t know anything about. The good thing is that’s how I found DG; I was researching some plants and found this site. The bad thing is I’ve made some horrendous mistakes, mostly because I bought what was pretty. I’ve posted several questions on a few of the forums and was amazed at the help I’ve received. I got more information in one week that I could have gotten out of the library in six months. I’ve looked at a lot of the threads on the NE forum and enjoyed the conversations, the pictures of the beautiful gardens and gorgeous containers.
I’ve had a minor set back and had to stay in bed for a week, now I’m allowed to sit at the pc, hobble around and watch the weeds grow. The yard has been unattended for the last 2 weeks and the weeds are taking over. The problem with the overgrowth of weeds and grass is the critters or something has moved in. My roses (mostly the easy care) have been chewed. The less thorny to nubs, the leaves have been eaten off the ones with big thorns, but there are some that haven’t been touched at all. Who ever this is (if it’s only one kind of critter) eats only the flowers off the wave petunias and pansies, leaving the much more accessible impatiens alone. Last evening while attempting to water the pots I found what looks like the beginning of a burro next to the foundation behind a large and Hydrangea, I am in a wooded area and we have our fair share of critters (squirrels, woodchucks, deer and bunnies). I’ve been here 7 years and never had this kind of problem. Suggestions please, what do you all think?
Introducing myself to the NE forum
Welcome, Donna! You'll find the people here very helpful and fun. Sorry to hear about your injury - hope you're running around again soon.
Bummer about your damage. I am constantly fighting deer, rabbits and squirrels. Occasionally, a woodchuck. The burrow could certainly be a woodchuck. They are very destructive. Quite a few critters will selectively eat flowers, including deer. Are you using any deterrents? You can try trapping the woodchuck, but there may very well be more. Good luck!
Hi Victor, Lots of woods and lots of chucks in the area. They don't usually come this close to the house. Do you think it is because I haven't been outside for a while? I don't think this was the work of a deer because my lilies are untouched and no hostas have been nibbled. I’m thinking of trying to get out to Agway to see if I can find something that is easy to spread around. Do you know of any repellent that works well?
For deer and bunnies, I use Liquid Fence. I have not had a real problem with chucks so I am not aware of any effective repellents. From what I hear, they are a tough problem. Most people trap or kill them. I am not sure about them being more brazen since you're not out. I see them out during the day with people around. They don't seem too shy!
Hi Donna welcome to North East Forum, we are a fun group and always welcome new additions.
Trouble with us is,when I joined in March I thought I had enough garden,found out that wasn't so. Many bucks later I am still going.Too many members with plante I never thought of and now want.
I have the "see,want ,have" syndrome.
Sorry about your critters and the frustration of being temporarily out of comission.
I think Vivtor is right, its a chuck.
Love your garden and the use of containers in the same.
I am useing Liquid Fence for the first tome in this far suburbs house, it really works, deer wait for the buds on roses and lilies and tulips ,they contain the most carbs.
Neighbors said this was the first year they had seen tulips in the yard.
By the way we bought this house last July so every month since April there is a new plant.
Keep us informed as to your health and garden plans.
There are no mistakes,we just move plants a lot.
Hi,
The pic is of one of many, that one is pretty much full sun; most of the others are shade gardens. It was taken last Aug. and I have added a good number of plants since then. I defiantly have the “see want have disease” with the added problem that one of anything is never enough. The use of containers is because I live in the land of rocks and boulders the center bed is raised to accommodate the perennials.
Thanks for the concern my back will be fine. I’m lucky it was just a popped sacroiliac joint and has been put back in place six times in the last 2 weeks by a Chiropractor. It’s a slow and painful process but not serious so I refuse to let it get me down.
I’m off to the store to see what they have for Woodchuck deterrent. My son in law (the no dirt under the nails account) is coming this afternoon to try and help a little. I’ll see if I can get him to spread it. It will be a hoot just to watch him try and drive the garden tractor. He’s a great guy and I appreciate the help but outside work is not is forte.
There's one in every family LOL:))
Hi Donna, welcome to the NE forum. I hope your back feels better permanently soon!
Carrie
Hi Carrie, I'll be fine in a few weeks. The kids came today to help, but stayed mainly to house work. To hot out this afternoon for lawn mowing. So I guess I get to watch the weeds for another week and hope for the best. Tomorrow I'll do the rodent revenge thing myself. I'm thinking about riding the tractor, Dr said it was okay to sit. That's sitting right?
Ouch ,hope it's a smooth ride.
Hi, Donna. Here's a welcome hug from me.
I agree with Victor, too. It's gotta be a groundhog doing all that damage. I'm not sure what deters them, but there are some very smart people here to help out.
Just between you and me,I wouldn't go riding around on the tracrtor just yet. Been there, done that, and still have to be careful sometimes.
Welcome, Donna! You'll sure to be happy here at your new home!
Hi Donna_11 Here's another welcome hug from me.
sorry to hear about your injury. Can't help with the critters . . . personally, I hate squirrels.
You will find the people of N.E. forum very friendly and knowledgeable.
Seandor (SEE an doour)
Hi all and thank for the welcome. Just kidding about riding, but I'd like to. I suppose weedwacking is out for a while also. I did manage to get out to the front this evening and trouble is just brewing everywhere. The hardy hibiscus looks like queen anns lace. The roses that are not chewed are being eaten by bugs and where there are leaves I see some black spots. I did manage a quick spray hoping to hold off the bugs. My Clematis is wilting and I don't know why, it looked great 2 days ago. The Cannas I started in pots are now so overgrown I'm not sure they will survive. Sorry for rambling, but I needed to vent. That’s just some of it, but I’ll stop here because I don’t want to be shunned for being a pain in the patootie. I feel better now thanks for listening.
Wow - sorry to hear all this, Donna. Not a great garden day. You have my sympathy - I know that sinking feeling. Hopefully things will get better!
Welcome and I am so glad you joined!!! You have the cutest house and sweet gardens! I think it is great you came along to join - you will truly learn so much here. I used to buy plants because I liked them - whether or not they belonged in my zone - however I soon learned many things and now my gardens flourish - I am sure you will find the same great info here as well! People are very friendly and helpful too - you are sure to make great frienships here!
here is just one photo of my lovely little garden!
Hello and welcome Donna
Donna, your misery is justified, hope the wilted plants can be fixed.
I joined in March and have learned a lot simply just by reading posts from other gardeners.
We are not always talking about Blooms and Weather.
Welcome Donna, im sorry for all the hardships you've been enduring. As my Dad would always say........it can only get better from here. Welcome to the NE forum , I think you'll like it here!
Hi all, and again thanks,
Dawn your garden is adorable I have a passion for purple/blue flowers.
Today’s is a new day, things well get better. I will get out and get the critter repellent; I’ll find a way to spread it around. I will not buy any plants, no matter how good the sale is…
General chit chat is great; I’m board out of my mind. I’ve been reading and reading all the great threads and have gained a lot of knowledge.
I feel blessed that I found this place and all of you wonderful people, so friendly and helpful to a newbie like me.
Hi Donna:
For a "basic 6-pack" gardener, your photo looks great!
I too, am troubled by deer, rabbits and chipmunks (who don't seem to eat plants but dig holes all over the place). Liquid fence was only marginally effective on our deer--I finally wrapped an arborvitae in bird netting to prevent it serving as a chomping post. I recently heard that a spray called "Critter Ridder" was effective, but our garden store doesn't carry it. Next time I pay a fortune on gas to visit a Home Depot, I'll look for it there.
I have an Agway that’s close (only 10 miles), I’ll try there today. Back to work on Monday have to drive through the city so HD + WM are on the way, I can check them out.
Hi Donna and welcome. You'll find lots of great help and support here. Glad you found us too!
I was looking at the pic’s of the RU yesterday, it’s nice to add faces to the names. Looks like it was a great way, to meet all the people, share all the pretty plants and eat all that wonderful food.
Welcome DONNA, this is the best place to be in! Clemen
Dawn, what a lovely garden you have made! I, too, adore the purple/blue flowers (and the orange/pink ones) and I think what you've done is just beautiful!
Hi Donna and welcome. We have a sticky list with the names of the Northeast Forum community. Would you like your name added to the list? Eleanor (editor of the list)
Welcome Donna! Beautiful yard!
Hello to all of you and thanks for looking in. I'm very happy to meet everyone.
Grammy, yes I would like to be added to the list. I still a little confused with the names. Do I need to contact Eleanor?
Flowerjen, thanks for the complement that is a pic from last year. I'll post a new one when I get it under control.
I'm off to water the gardens of weeden.
That's a good one, Donna, the gardens of weeden! Ha ha ha ha ha. (Me laughing.)
Hi Donna - no, you don't need to do anything else. Grammy is Eleanor and that's me. We have compiled a list of the members of the Northeast Forum, or from anywhere for that matter, who want their real names made known to the rest of the forum. Not everyone wanted their name known and that is OK. This is the link to that list: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/837873/ You can copy, print the list, keep adding to it, or whatever you want. When someone wants to have their name on the list, I edit the list and add the new name. You don't have to remember the names - that's why we made the list. I hope I haven't confused you more. Eleanor
Thanks Eleanor, I got it now.
I’m changing the property name from the Land O Rock to Woodchuck Heaven cause that’s what it will be If I catch these little rat b######s. I went out to water only to find not one but six in the front yard. One was happily digging a tunnel behind the Hydrangea, one sitting up on a 2 foot container having a dinner plate dahlia for his supper. One actually coming up the front steps when I opened the door, I assume he has a passion for petunias. The rest were in the gardens munching away. They seem to know what’s good; they didn’t touch the Burgs, Callas or Morning glories. Ah, but the sweet peas, they’re history.
You have an infestation of chucks.
Horrible. I'm so sorry.This is a real crisis.
Do you have a university extention that can help with "riddence" information?
I'll look into that today, URI is close by.
Thanks
Yikes! Welcome to our little neck of the woods. I'm sorry you are being invaded. You might not be the only one. Have you spoken with your neighbors?
Hi, next door hasn't had a problem, houses are spread out and I haven’t been up and about much. I’m about the only one with a delectable garden in the area.
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