NEW PLANTINGS

[cissy jackson]

HI EVERYONE, LAST YR. I PLANTED 10 HYDRANGIA BUSHES IN MY DRIVEWAY. THEY WERE GROWING NICELY TILL EARLY FALL I WENT OUT TO DRIVE AND FOUND A DEER EATTING LUNCH, MY HYDRANGIAS, OF COARSE. I CHASED HIM OFF BUT WONDER IF HE KILLED THEM BY EATTING THEM. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO USE THERE TO KEEP DEERS AWAY FROM THEM? SINCE I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY THERE R A LOT OF DEERS IN MY AREA. I COUNTED 50 OF THEM ONE NIGHT JUST ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE.

A 2ND QUESTION. I HAVE 10 MORE HYDRANGIA COMING IN MAY. ANY PLANTING SUGGESTIONS TO HELP THEM WITH?

THANKS AND HAPPY GARDENING CISSY

[The Helpful Gardener]

Likely they are still alive and will be back this spring, but sans fleur as the case may be as most hydranges set on last years wood...

Do you know what hydrangeas you have, dear?

HG

[Gailann]

Hi Cissy, I live in the woods too and would like to share my secret with you on how I keep the deer and rabbits from eating my plants. You can purchase Green Screen in pouches. Not sure if you are familiar with the gold mine gum we use to buy in the 70s in small white bags with yellow tie strings, any way the green screen material is bought either in these small bags or in powder form in a box. I buy the bags then take small clear plastic cocktail cups that you can buy in the store. I then make four small holes on the bottom sides of the cups, run the wire through the holes holding the bags yellow string which then once the cup is held upside down like a bell with the bag hanging down under the cup. Loop your wire and this will help hang your bag this keeps the green screen bag dry and will last up to three months. Keeping deer and rabbits out of your garden. If you buy the green screen powder you have to reaply it every time it rains. I get my green screen from a feed store. Ho Yea! If you buy it, just to warn you to not sniff it as soon as you open your box. It is strong. All though I really don't smell it out in the garden. I do hide them in the flowers and bushes so they aren't noticed. Good luck