RE: Cult-Critters

Most critters that taste iris will leave them alone after having a taste. Persistant digging is beacusre they want something in the ground, either to take out or put in. Right now I have a chipmonk that is upset as I planted iris over his den, He keept digging up the plants to find his home, but has now moved his home so its in the middle of the row rather then under the plants.We are now both happier.
You might try placing sacrifical plants near the planted iris. A discaded plant near the keepers or a few planted shallowly next to the keepers. Usually after having a good taste they leave them alone. Persistrant tasting can be discouraged with a spray of hot pepper and garlic sprayed on the plant.
Persistant digging needs something in the soil to discourage digging. Sharp gravel spread on soil, or 4-5" galvanized nails stuck in ground (temporarily) will also make digging less fun. Most critters are critters of habit and once discouraged, move on. I once had some free range chickens digging up the soil to take dust baths and were scattering the plants everywhere. In this case I watered the soil regularly, no dust, no chicken scratching.
Good luck.


-- 
Chuck Chapman, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Zone 4/5


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