What a lovely surprise. The deer ate a few of the first native and cutting garden-type plants I put in what I’m calling my wild bed.
I was most saddened by the loss of the tops of my three delphinium plants. There’s just something about Delphinium and Larkspur that I find so beautiful and free-spirited (as if all flowers weren’t free spirited!).
So imagine my surprise this weekend when the Delphiniums were back — more blue and beautiful than before.
I didn’t capture the rich blue hue very well because I took the photo too late in the day, but I like it nonetheless.
And their neighbors, the mail-order Rudbeckia Prairie Sun with no brown are blooming and multiplying profusely. And they’ve been joined by Texas Betony blooming red and Mexican Oregano with it’s lavender blooms.
It’s so exciting to see something you’ve sweated and toiled over come to fruition. And while the Blackfoot daisies don’t seem to be happy there and several of the 5 transplanted Lantanas failed to come back, I’m calling it a huge success.
And Ms. Artemis is oh-so-happy to have the pretties for company!
That’s good news! Those pesky deer can’t win all the time.
I notice that the phlox I transplanted to the front bed has been munched by something short! I am thinking bunnies…I can’t imagine what else would strip a plant bare.
I was given some larkspur plants and hope to see some bloom soon! They are lovely aren’t they!
Gail
I’m glad your delphinium made a comeback, Diana. They are so pretty. The “pale-eyed” Susan is lovely too. I’m a big fan of coneflowers.
That rudbeckia is lovely. Where did you get it?
Delphinium and larkspur are supposed to be poisonous and distasteful – but maybe your deer can’t read lists, Diana!
I also like the not-brown-eyed Susan which reminds me of one back in my IL garden called ‘Irish Eyes’.
Looks like a huge success to me!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose
I am seriously in love with that rudbeckia – do you know what kind it is? I would love to add some to my garden 😉
Gail – the deer ate my Drummond phlox a few weeks ago. I didn’t think they’d eat it because they didn’t eat my other kind, but they chomped these to the ground. Two died, but I’ve nursed one back, hoping they won’t find it again!
Pam – I was reading a garden magazine piece on interesting Rudbeckia varieties, but they were all brown centers. It’s fun to have something different, isn’t it?
Vertie – thanks. The Rudbeckia is Prairie Sun and I think it came from the Springhill Nursery catalog, but I can’t remember for sure. I couldn’t be happier with them — they came nice and healthy and grew fast and happy — you should try some!
Annie — My deer definitely cannot read! They will eat anything, and I get most annoyed when they try something, and then toss it by the wayside and leave it to die. Aargh!
Lee17 – I just answered Vertie – I ordered them from a catalog and they have been a delightful surprise. Good luck – you’ll have to post if you get some.
I really like those additions- will have to consider them for adding in the fall.
BTW, I have never tried the bloom set spray you mentioned on my post. Write about it if you get good results.
Those rotten deer. They are such pests in the garden. The delphphenium is so pretty. I Love the picture of the Black-eyed Susan.
Bonnie – I’m hoping it works since we’ve only had one cool night in weeks! Guess I will be at the farmers’ market every week if they don’t set beyond those that are green now.
Lisa – Thanks. The deer are pests, but I have to admit we have two yearling girls that are living around here and eat the grass on our septic field most of the time and only occasionally munch plants. I put a pan of water out there for them last week since we are so very dry. So, as long as it isn’t too bad, I’ll learn to deal with it cuz they are so cute. It’s fun to peek out the window and watch them.
Your rudbeckia is lovely. It looks daintier than the brown-eyed rudbeckia, and the coloring is very pretty.
The deer have been busy here also! I just sprayed with a blood solution. Messy but effective! I think you blue looks lovely in the fading light. Love the delphiniums. Reading back on your blog I saw your picture of harvested green beans! I have yet to plant mine! Beautiful here today though!