Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Botanicide


This is a crime scene.


These are the grisly photos of plant homicide, and the victims are purple prairie clovers (Dalea purpurea).

The identity of the murderer (or murderers)? Rabbits, at least one. We've had a minimum of one rabbit take up residence in our yard and it was spotted at the scene of the crime (multiple times). Whether there are additional accomplices has not been determined, but what I do know is that rather than enjoying these rare prairie beauties that should look like this (while starting to bloom)...


...and in combo with the yellow and pink of yarrows and remaining columbines...


...I'm stuck with this sad, sorry sight of decapitated stems:


The only silver lining to this cloud is that I'm pretty confident that the tulip murderer from this spring was the very same rabbit (or rabbits). And, I will now diligently research what products can prevent rabbit damage and go on the offensive. Especially next spring when these are sprouting.

4 comments:

garden girl said...

So sorry for your losses Rose. I know the pain of being victimized by those dastardly rodent plant murderers. It's heartbreaking.

Sissy said...

ack! I just wrote about the obstacles I face. That is one I don't have to deal with, luckily! (you wanna borrow my dog?!)

Rose said...

Crime scene photos are always so grisly; I hope you catch the culprit before he goes on another crime spree. I have a security patrol here (i.e., Sophie and the cats)that seems to ward off such villanous creatures.

CommonWeeder said...

I'm not sure it was the rabbits this time in my garden. Deer are more likely culprits - and I have not a single sugar snap!

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