Who is eating my Hosta?

Where once there were green and white leaves now there are none.

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No foot prints. No droppings. No evidence. Just ripped off leaves. I suspect the local deer population.

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A deer ran into my car several blocks away from home. A buck was hit by car in downtown Bethlehem and had to be put down.

Be careful out there. The deer are in love and on the move.

A list of deer resistant plants from Cornell University.

Lupine

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Lupinus

I bought six “Lupine Russell Hybrid Red Shades” from Bluestone Perennials in 2005. At the time, I read that they are a short-lived plant. I had tried them a few years back. They bloomed once and then disappeared.

But, I fell in love with the spectacular bloom and decided they may like the hot, sunny place along the garage wall.

So I ordered and planted the Lupine, mixing peat moss into the planting hole. I’ve added peat moss to the soil several times. They also have a good layer of mulch. The Cannas planted between the Lupine may give them enough shade to withstand the summer heat.

I’ll deadhead as the flowers fade, turn on the soaker hose when the soil gets dry. If I remember, I’ll add a little peat moss to the soil.

They are said to be deer resistant. You folks that have deer problems may want to try them in your sun garden.

This year they started blooming around May 10 and are still going strong – 3 feet tall and more spectacular than ever.

I’m hoping they have a long and happy life in my garden.

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