Re: CULT: % of losses
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: CULT: % of losses
- From: E*@aol.com
- Date: Tue, 25 Mar 1997 11:54:36 -0700 (MST)
In a message dated 97-03-25 13:41:52 EST, you write:
<< MastrGardn@aol.com wrote:
>
> I, too, have trouble with varmits eating my TB's. They seem to like the
> under side of the rhizomes, and often I dont' realize that it has been
eaten
> until new growth starts in the spring and that rhizome fails to thrive.
We
> have many moles, but I am told that moles do not eat iris. I would like to
> have suggestions as to what is eating the rhizomes. This year, as I have
> been cleaning the iris beds, I have found leaves chewed at the outer edges
> about one to two inches above the ground. This is the first that this has
> happened. What did it? Do dear like iris leaves >>
Master Gardener does not says where he is located. In NY-New England area
deer do eat almost anything if hungry. I have been listening to comment and
reading complaints from all parts of the country - the deer vary in diet
favorites. What is not browsed in one location may be severely damaged in
another.
We have found they will browse and thereby damage plants they really do not
return to but it is still your loss. Deer will nibble new iris growth when
the spring growth is still sparse and the iris is an early one. The damage
can vary from year to year. some years being w/o damage and lulling you to
false security.
You would know if deer were responsible, as owing to their size and weight,
footprints are left and surrounding garden area shows evidence of their raid.
If early spring damage, iris only - not other plants, is the problem,
plastic netting crumpled over the clumps or bed will help until more spring
growth tempts them to something they like better. If your garden is mainly
iris and they take a shine to the iris something more drastic needs doing.
Sympathy to anyone with deer friends among your visitors.
Claire Peplowski
ECPep@aol.com on a grey day in the north country with the rhododenron
leaves (hardy sort) rolled up in retreat.
