The chipmunks have done a number on the bulbs I planted last year. A myriad of holes developed lately in the cedar mulch, just the same size as the bulbs, but empty. Phooey on this – I scraped off all the mulch and pulled any weeds still there (yes there were a couple of small stinging nettle plants in there again, but I was smart enough to use gloves this time). The only things left in that area were the Irises, Tulips and a couple of other bulbs that I’m not sure the names of. But most of the 150+ bulbs (not counting the iris) I planted in that particular spot last year, were removed from the area by chipmunks.
I went to Agway and picked up 33 perennials and planted them on Saturday, then re-mulched the entire area on Sunday. I also got a couple of bottles of all-natural animal repellant – meant to keep the cats from using the area as a litter box (I think it is the neighbor’s cats doing this, but it might be one of mine). Weirdly enough, when I sprayed the repellant on the area, it smelled like bread and butter pickles.
We were supposed to have scattered showers Monday, but naturally we had a constant rain; racking up 1½” of water through the day. Amazingly enough, I was still able to smell the “pickles” on Tuesday morning, so hopefully the stuff is still doing its thing (It’s hard to tell right now as cats don‘t usually use that area when the mulch is wet).
We are tentatively planning an overnight trip to Niagara Falls this Labor Day Weekend, probably with the usual suspects (Jim and Harry). Once we get firm okey-dokeys from the guys, we will make the reservations. It should be interesting finding a motel room somewhere close by that isn’t all booked up by now. This will be the first vacation that I have taken, that isn’t to go see family, in a couple of years, so I am looking forward to it! Not that I don’t love to see family – mine or his – but sometimes it’s nice to do something a bit different once in a while.
OK. How many of you plan to go over in a barrel? Have a fabulous trip and it's about time you got to do something just for fun!
Posted by: Cop Car | July 22, 2004 at 08:05 PM
Ornery Varmints. At least that is what Yosemite Sam says.
Have a great trip to the falls.
Posted by: Wichi Dude | July 22, 2004 at 08:13 PM
I was willing to parasail, but I'll pass on the barrel, thank you very much!
Our chipmunks tend to relocate bulbs for us. One year I actually created boxes out of hardware cloth and buried the tulips and crocus in them. Now, I need to remove the rusted remains of the boxes. I don't have to give the bulbs any iron now.
I find crocus, dill, catnip, perennial cornflowers, rudbeckia and iris in the oddest places. The chippies must not like my sense of order.
Posted by: Buffy | July 23, 2004 at 12:33 AM
Buffy - It's weird that my chipmunks won't touch the iris (never have), but yours are more than willing to.
Posted by: bogie | July 23, 2004 at 05:01 AM