Expert: Laura Walker - 4/10/2004

Question
I do have deer here, I see them often, I don't generally see them where the plants have been eaten. yes in almost all cases the plant has been "eaten' right back down even with the ground, the leaves, flower bulb and all. No there are blubs blooming that have not been eaten, crocus has not been touched.
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Followup To
Question -
Thank you for your response, they are tulips and they are being eaten as they have grown above ground, the green leaves and the actual flowers right back even with the ground. I guess they aren't actually deer resistant afterall, any suggestions? thank you again,

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Followup To
Question -
my bulbs are starting to bloom, but something is eating most of them, could it be deer? I thought I had purchased deer resistant bulbs? perhaps something else? is there anything I can do?

thanks,
Answer -
Mike, What kind of bulbs do you have planted? Moles are the first culprits that come to mind,especially if you have Tulips.They will go underneath the ground and eat the bulbs in any stage of growth.If the foliage is being eaten it probably is deer.Let me know how they are damaged and what type of bulbs you have and I can help you further.I know how maddening it can be when you have great expectations for your bulbs.
Answer -
I hate to be going back and forth like this,but I must to satisfy my curiosity and help you also.
Has the Tulip bloom itself and the green leafy part all been eaten,or just the green foliage? Also, does the green foliage look shredded or is it completely gone? Is the bloom completely gone as well?How many have been damaged? Also,do you live in a rural area that deer habitat? The reason I ask is because I have not had deer bother my customer's Tulips that I have planted in the country.There are other plants they have bothered believe me,but so far not the Tulips,just irritating moles.  

Answer
I think they like Tulips the best for some reason.I know the squirrels and moles do. I will give you some web sites that have repellant products and methods for planting.I plant my Tulips surrounded with Daffodil bulbs now trying to thrawrt off the moles because they dislike daffodil bulbs. Here are some great sites to go on:
McClure & Zimmerman, Dutch Gardens, Van Bourgondien&Sons,Van Dycks,Jackson Perkins,White Flower Farm,Wayside Gardens.
They will have plenty of info on pest resistant bulbs and products and even some home made remedies for pesky critters.
Hope you have success with your gardening!