Deer Dread

The day was gorgeous outside, perfect for gardening. Six David Austin roses still wait in a bucket of water and they now have leaves on their canes. Nine Spring Hill Nursery Miniature Roses are shooting roots out of the bottom of their bitty boxes. The new bags of mulch, composted manure, peat moss and top soil sit forlornly in the backyard while I spent the day hunched over the computer or dining room table all day working. sigh. I have deadlines to keep and there was no room for gardening. And today I got an email that my six Oriental Poppies and six Echinops Ritro have shipped. I don't know where to put them! As soon as I can, I'm going to get lavender. At least the deer aren't supposed to like lavender. Since I'm crazy over lavender, I'm rather fond of the idea of an entire backyard of the stuff. Would deer wander through a maze of lavender? Would it make them sneeze? Is there any plant that deer are allergic to?

I had to stay indoors but the boys got to play outside. They had great fun trying to fly a 9" kite. As the sun slowly slid from view, our youngest son ran in, breathless and said "It's not just a couple, it's a whole herd! At least 11! In the neighbor's field behind our house!"

I got this sick, nauseous feeling and felt like throwing up. Am I a fool to think I can grow roses? I've only ever seen 5 deer. But 11? There's no way I can keep back 11.

Which means, I've got to plant all nine of the miniature roses on the deck, perhaps dig up one of the Sceptre'd Isles to move to the deck and make the raised beds really raised.

And get busy on the moat. I wonder if Alligators can handle North Carolina weather.