Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Dang Blasted Rascals!





We had more lovely rain this morning and when I awoke the woods were filled with fog. A lovely sight to see.






In the perennial garden this beautiful iris had opened overnight and the clematis was showing off it's finery too.  I was thinking I needed to take pictures to post.

Once in the kitchen I glanced outside and what did my eyes behold:  rascal raccoons had been calling!  Not one, not two but multiple pots and locations.  And I had just finished potting up many of these annuals yesterday. 









Why pick on the cactus too?  What could they find in that dry sandy mix?





The repairs have been made but my frustration is still present.  I don't know of any deterrents but I'm trying black pepper sprinkled on all the potted plants.  Liquid Fence doesn't work for them I don't believe.  I'll have to reread the container.  Any suggestions anyone?  I think the plants will recover at least I hope they do.  Time will tell.

This wasn't the first time they've done this to me.  See last year's post and damage.  I guess this is what comes with living in the woods.






























6 comments:

Jenny Rottinger said...

I have the same problem with racoons and groundhog on my patio - they ate my peas, diged out all beans, wiped out all green strawberries and ate tulip bulbs. Aparently liquid fence has rotting egg smell that actually attracts them :(

Betsy Banks Adams said...

I'm so sorry, Marcia... We have raccoons --but they don't seem to bother any of my plants on the deck.. They go after the bird feeders (so I put them up at nights now)...

HOWEVER, the squirrels will dig like crazy in all of our flowerbeds/flower boxes.. They are searching for nuts which they 'think' they planted there last Fall....

Squirrels will do this damage very early in the morning... Raccoons are gone by daybreak...

I'm so sorry this happened to you...
Hugs,
Betsy

Patricia said...

There is always good news and bad news about the places we call home. Your woodland home is lovely...but you have raccoons. Our urban So California has great weather and year-round gardening, but we miss the real seasons, the beauty of the spring flowers you shared with us, the expanses of the yard that your swing resides in. Our critters are squirrels and aggressive crows. Can't we all just get along???

Robin said...

Oh my, I would be a crazy lady if that happened to me! I have never had a problem with raccoons, just squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs and deer. I have no idea what will deter them. I guess a little research is in order. Good Luck

Marcia said...

For now the pepper has kept them from coming back or at least I hope that's the case.

David said...

Wow! So you've tried black pepper and it is working? I know they use their sense of smell more than anything to find food. I have the same problem, so I might have to buy it in bulk!
David/:0)