Unexpected Visitor

Much to my surprise - - - THE DEER have come inside my fencing to explore and eat a little of this and that along the way ! I don't know how they breached the fencing.  I have checked the fence line and don't see any opening where they could enter. I guess they possibly jumped it and that would be a first .

(google source)

It was just a few days ago that I noticed some deer footprints nears the house and thought it was unusual and curious .  And, then three days ago I noticed the tomato plants which are at the other end of the property had been nibbled on .

I am very happy that the one and only near ripe Heirloom Cherokee Purple Tomato was spared . Yes, I picked it knowing the deer had already nibbled the stems at the top .  I hope the others get a chance to ripen .

And, this morning another plant was (hopefully) enjoyed by the deer last night.

It is such a nice blessing that this event is happening at the end of the season .  I have had enough great tasting tomatoes for some excellent tomato sandwiches and delicious tomatoes to add to my salads .

I think I will put some bird netting over the top of the tomato cages to deter further loss of the tomatoes since it appears as though this location in on their midnight route .

My Precious Ivy.

This is the first time that she has slept in this part of her Cat Condo.  The top is where she usually hangs out .  This was taken with a flash because the room was almost dark .  Ivy is still growing in her trust of me .  By no means is she a lap sitter but she will let me hold her and talk to her for a short time and then she wants down .  However, for the last few days she has been sitting at my feet and trying to tell me something .  So, I moved my computer/table over to the sofa and sat there and before long she jumped up and lay down beside me and went to sleep .  I was so happy because that was a first .  And, then last night she jumped up and sat on some papers I was working with and I tried to move her gently and that was not to her liking and she jumped down .  It is great that she is still progressing in her comfort level with me .

Take Care Everyone.

Mary

Heat Wave Is On It's Way And A Garden Visitor

The next few days are reported to be the hottest this year. By hot, I mean over 100 degrees. Everything in the garden continues to grow nicely. It is taking some additional watering but that is OK. I have been doing some nasty dirty yard work and filling lots of yard waste barrels. My property is bordered on the outside of my fence with Red Oleander Shrubs that are blooming and growing vigorously. I planted the Oleander shortly after I moved here 20 plus years ago and they have needed some clean-up at their base. You know, weeds and some trimming. This photo was taken by Google Mapping a few years ago. The Oleander has given nice privacy and a deer deterrent.

The Hydrangea plant is starting to bloom.

They are nestled in front of the Star Jasmine that covers the fence. On the left the Gladiolas are getting ready to bloom. And, some Rosemary herbs are nearby.

That little Hydrangea Plant has come a long way since last year.

So seldom do I mention anything about Mother Nature's "Bambi", THE DEER coming into my garden looking for their dinner plate.

Well, I just noticed that I referenced deer deterrent in my first paragraph of this post that I started yesterday.   How funny is that?  Because, last evening I walked outside to be surprised by a fellow who looked similar to the next photo having dinner at the flower bed (buffet table) outside my living room window. I was so surprised and wondered how he got in. Then I remembered that the wire fence opening down by the seasonal creek was still open after the heavy rains. Sure enough, that is where he went to exit my garden by bending down to get through the opening.  And, then he had the nerve to stand on the other side and stare at me while I talked to him.  I guess my garden was just too much to resist!

Recently, I had noticed what I thought I was seeing in my garden as tell-tale signs of deer nibbling on many of my plants, especially the roses, along the one side of my garden. Sooooooooooo! Now I know why ! ! !

There really are a lot of deer that wander around my neighborhood every day, especially in the early evening. And, I still tend to get a little excited when I see them. I think they are so beautiful with their graceful gliding movements and their curiosity.

The Oleander are in full force!

And, the Pink Alstroemeria are starting to bloom. They are so delicate and the markings are exquisite.

That's all for today. Have a Good Weekend.

Mary