It's been three weeks since I first got out in the vegetable garden. Since then, it's been very cool and damp, so the greens and peas are not very big, yet. One thing I've done, though, is to put up rabbit fencing, as seen below.

I am not thrilled about how this looks or how it works, but after having rabbits decimate the garden over the past two years, I knew I needed to take some serious action. If I could only convince Spouse to do the fencing the way I want* I would be much happier, but Spouse is convinced it would be "too hard" and that "it won't work." Harumph. . . .

reBlogged to gardens fence pests on May 13, 2008, 2:56PM

Posted by Talbin Reblogged by Old Roses to Gardens, fence, pests on 2008-05-14, 06:07:21

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I thought is was amusing to watch the goldfinch preening himself on the hummingbird feeder. I only wish the window blinds had been up. I haven't seen any real hummingbirds yet. . . .

reBlogged to birds pests

Posted by Robin's Nesting Place Reblogged by Old Roses to birds, pests on 2008-05-13, 06:44:23

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They're back. Punctually. I'd hoped this year would be different. I thought perhaps the cold, wet April which we had would have at least delayed them a bit. But no. Within days of turning the calendar, this is what I found.

Red spider mite. . . .

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Posted by Sue Swift Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-05-13, 06:40:51

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Living in the Pacific Northwest there is no way to get away from these slimy creatures. Last year I only saw a few of these creatures but apparently my veggie plot must have been identified and they told all their friends since I am currently planting my second set of cilantro and lettuce seeds since they ate up my little seedlings. . . .

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Posted by Megan Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-05-12, 06:33:54

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Posted by lisa Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-05-10, 05:16:39

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It is possible for landscape gardeners in eastern North America to outwit large populations of white-tail deer by carefully choosing plants for their designs.

reBlogged to pests on May 8, 2008, 4:00AM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-05-10, 05:01:08

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Diseased trees are real heart breakers. By the time you notice symptoms, it?s probably too late to treat the tree. Insects infesting trees are a little easier to...

reBlogged to pests on May 6, 2008, 9:01PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-05-08, 05:20:02

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I've got poison ivy. Bad. About a week ago, I noticed a small spot on my forearm that itched. Over the course of the next week, it started popping up all over both my arms and hands, and two days ago, it appeared on my face. Yes, that's right - the left side of my face looks like I've got a severe case of hives and if it progresses to look like some of the blistered areas on my hands and arms, I'll be quite attractive for Jenna's wedding on the 17th. . . .

reBlogged to weeds pests

Posted by Kylee Reblogged by Old Roses to pests, weeds on 2008-05-08, 05:03:18

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These plants don’t look too happy, but I’m not sure if it’s the cold that put them in a snit, or a viral infection. Left to right: Daylily 2E, Colchicum giganteum, Daylily 4B, C....

reBlogged to weather pests on May 6, 2008, 12:55PM

Posted by Kathy Purdy Reblogged by Old Roses to pests, weather on 2008-05-07, 05:21:39

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Everyone loves lovers.

These slugs are in love.

I am not a slug lover, but, these two are sweet.

And they aren't out in the garden eating my lettuce.

They are in my kitchen, in a jar, eating lettuce. . . .

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Posted by Myrtle Luma Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-05-07, 05:20:19

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I have leaf spots on my Christmas Palms. I noticed them last year when I planted the palms, but I thought it was normal. Over the past year, they've gotten worse though, and now I need to do something about it. Here's the photo.

I've scoured the internet for the name of this disease, but can't find it. I've tried an organic fungicide/pesticide, but it didn't work. So, now unfortunately I'm resorting to sevin, the bad stuff. Argh.

reBlogged to trees foliage pests

Posted by ldybug Reblogged by Old Roses to foliage, pests, trees on 2008-04-30, 06:17:30

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reBlogged to spring pests

Posted by tcg Reblogged by Old Roses to pests, spring on 2008-04-30, 06:10:43

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Alabama Beach Mouse  (c)2008 Val Webb                     Sketch: Delmarva Fox Squirrel (c)2008 Val Webb   A few weeks ago, Terry Burger mentioned the dwindling fox squirrel population in his beautifully written — and unfailingly relevant — blog.  I had no idea what a fox squirrel looked like, so I did a little research. Here, I quickly realized, is a furry little [...]

reBlogged to pests on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by valwebb Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-29, 06:31:19

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This has been a busy week! Sunny, beautiful days! We are working on lots of cleanups and mulching gardens. One property that we worked on this week is going up for sale in the next few days, so the owners want it to look good. We spent a few days sprucing up the beds, and applying a fresh layer of mulch. We have worked on this property for several years and every time that I go there I am happy that I do not have to battle deer. The picture below shows a row of Yews that are nearly destroyed every winter from the culinary habits of the local deer population.

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Posted by vonlafin Reblogged by Old Roses to Gardening, pests on 2008-04-21, 01:15:00

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In this article on About's Pediatrics site, we are reminded that about "85 percent of the population will develop an allergic reaction if exposed to poison ivy," which you can...

reBlogged to pests on Apr 17, 2008, 12:20AM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-18, 06:21:02

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reBlogged to pests on Apr 17, 2008, 12:48PM

Posted by Mr. McGregor's Daughter Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-18, 06:19:26

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This weekÂ’s question is a general one that IÂ’ve been getting a lot lately and expect to hear even more of, as the season progresses. ItÂ’s good to answer...

reBlogged to tools pests on Apr 16, 2008, 9:01PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to pests, tools on 2008-04-18, 05:59:10

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reBlogged to carnivorous pests on Apr 15, 2008, 3:36PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to carnivorous, pests on 2008-04-17, 06:27:58

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Gardener's Note: NOW IS THE HOUR! Keep all decaying matter cleaned out of your garden beds. While leaves make a good mulch, once they begin to compost they become food and shelter for slugs.

~ Slug & Hostas

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Posted by joey Reblogged by Old Roses to hostas, pests on 2008-04-16, 18:10:05

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See the gap between the middle trees? I was trying to photograph the amazing squirrel who jumped all the way across from one to another, but he was faster than I could click....

reBlogged to pests on Apr 14, 2008, 5:29PM

Posted by empressofdirt@gmail.com (M.J.Will) Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-15, 06:18:41

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We have a new Organic Gardening Guide here at About. Colleen Vanderlinden is just getting her site revved up, but already she has some wonderful tips for all of...

reBlogged to pests organic on Apr 10, 2008, 9:01PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to organic, pests on 2008-04-12, 06:22:00

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Yes folks, after this past weekend rain, those unwelcome summer guests, mosquitoes, are back and they are HUNGRY!
Maybe they are not as big as the one in this picture but their bite sure feels like they are!
It is a given that if you are going to garden in Florida during the summer you are going to have to deal with these pesky, relentless insects.
They are always hungriest in the early morning and early evening which, of course, is prime gardening time around here. The little blood-suckers sure aren't stupid!!

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Posted by rusty in miami Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-11, 06:52:06

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A bit of an aphid invasion of my pear and apple trees. The trees are tough, and the aphids don't last long around here. I gave them a good spray with a mix of neem and peppermint soap. The smell alone should chase them away. Ladybugs, where are you???

On my pear tree:

reBlogged to pests fruit trees

Posted by Central FLA Gardener Reblogged by Old Roses to fruit, pests, trees on 2008-04-11, 06:46:54

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reBlogged to cats pests

Posted by Rurality Reblogged by Old Roses to cats, pests on 2008-04-08, 07:27:31

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I have Bougainvillea Loopers. "When a bougainvillea shrub is disturbed, the caterpillars drop unobserved to the ground, leaving most people wondering what is eating their bougainvillea plants."

Here's a shot of the very tiny caterpillar along with a leaf he munched on. I just sprayed an organic fungicide & insecticide made mostly of semase oil on the plants and hope to be rid of these pests soon.

reBlogged to pests

Posted by ldybug Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-08, 07:09:12

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Posted by Graham Rice Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-02, 18:24:27

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(This is the start of another blog a day writing month. This time I hope to get further by actually doing a blog a day! Last month, I joined but because of other things, couldn't actually participate. This month I am ready to take the challenge. Here goes. . .

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Posted by Katina Mooneyham Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-02, 18:24:12

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The balcony is now starting to turn green again, but not everything is looking happy. I think I may be losing my mandevilla and my hollyhocks. ..

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Posted by Sue Swift Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-04-01, 18:16:57

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Posted by Carol Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-28, 18:10:46

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My worst fears have been confirmed. The holes dug in my raised beds that I'd blithely assumed were the work of one of the small dogs that occasionally roam the plot. But on a recent visit I clocked the poo pellets on the path - the final confirmation of the bad news that rabbits were responsible. We've never had a bunny infestation before on the site, as far as I know. My plot is right on the edge facing open farmland, so it's a wonder there's not been a problem before now. I have to admit to feeling rather downhearted...

reBlogged to pests on Mar 27, 2008, 5:31PM

Posted by Jane Perrone Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-28, 18:01:37

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from here: http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/bulletins/easterntentcaterpillar/easterntentcaterpillar.htm

It is a foliage feeder and, as the name implies, a web- or tent-maker. Cherry, apple, and other trees of the rose family (Rosaceae) are the preferred hosts, but larvae have been reported to feed on a variety of hardwoods, including ash, birch, blackgum, oak, sweetgum, maple, and poplar.

The eastern tent caterpillar is common and often abundant in Alabama. It is among the first insects to break winter dormancy and become active in the spring.

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Posted by Amy Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-28, 06:20:07

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Here's the Target
How can anything so cute be so destructive ?

Carol at Maydreamsgardens and Mrmcgregorsdaughter along with countless others, I'm sure , are having rabbit problems and have declared war to rid themselves of this garden pest. . ..

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Posted by Carolyn gail Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-28, 06:18:03

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Gypsy moth egg masses on a young maple in my neighborhood
A few weeks ago I put an article about gypsy moth caterpillars up on my gardening website. Today I received this email from a reader in Oakville, Ontario:

I am interested in your article about the gypsy moth! We in Oakville have learned that some of our lovely forest areas are to be sprayed with Btk in May. . . .

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Posted by Yvonne Cunnington Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-28, 06:03:55

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Isn't it fascinating how quickly insects can find your plants? One minute your plant leaves are barely unfurled and the next, they're being eaten. Spring rains, as...

reBlogged to pests on Mar 26, 2008, 9:01PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-27, 18:30:21

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From coast to coast, slugs and snail seem to cause problems wherever they go. I've gotten laments from the west. . . .

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Posted by Jessica Damiano Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-27, 06:14:24

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reBlogged to pests on Dec 31, 1969, 6:59PM

Posted by blog@cactusjungle.com (cactusblog) Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-27, 06:12:55

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reBlogged to pests whimsy on Mar 25, 2008, 6:26PM

Posted by Bill Reblogged by Old Roses to pests, whimsy on 2008-03-27, 06:10:33

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Rather than propping up the downfacing hellebore flowers I decide to shoot upward with the camera held close to the ground. I shot blind since I couldn't use the lcd monitor to frame the flower but I could center the flower fairly well. All of the hellebores were shot this way except for the first photo.

reBlogged to flowers pests on Mar 23, 2008, 8:22PM

Posted by Ki Reblogged by Old Roses to flowers, pests on 2008-03-25, 17:42:06

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reBlogged to pests on Mar 24, 2008, 1:17PM

Posted by Mr. McGregor's Daughter Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-25, 05:47:55

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Posted by Carol Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-21, 06:13:44

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My sister wrote me this week asking for advice about her new vegetable garden in St. Louis. They have loads of little bunnies. Apparently they’re extremely persistent and have been known to eat even jalapeño peppers! She’s worried they will eat her yummy new lettuces, carrots, radishes, and considering their track record, even her tomatoes. . . .

reBlogged to pests on Mar 19, 2008, 4:57PM

Posted by Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-20, 19:01:58

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Wordless Wednesday

Squirrels sure do some crazy things to get to those tasty seeds don’t they?. ..

reBlogged to pests on Mar 19, 2008, 12:25AM

Posted by Tricia Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-20, 18:57:38

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reBlogged to pests

Posted by Carol Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-20, 05:58:14

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I've always thought early, small crocuses are best when they are scattered here and there as if they popped up randomly on their own. Well, I (or I should say WE) have achieved that effect in the garden... the other half of this equation being the squirrels, who dig up the crocuses, and re-bury some of them in the oddest spots. It is always a delight to see various little bulbs popping up all over the garden, and guessing what they might be.
The only problem with this human-large rodent partnership is squirrel math: an even split is eat six, plant one!

reBlogged to crocus pests

Posted by IBOY Reblogged by Old Roses to crocus, pests on 2008-03-18, 00:09:45

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Posted by Nickie Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-14, 00:40:26

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Sweetheart the deer first showed up at our back door last summer, a motherless fawn so tiny that he could hardly hold up his ears. . . .

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Posted by IBOY Reblogged by Old Roses to pests on 2008-03-14, 00:33:17

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