Animals to Weeds
Odd and sudden rotting of the crown is usually caused by a group of water mold fungi and can happen during wet and cold springs.
Contrary to popular belief, moles do not eat lily bulbs, but if the underground bulb is "in their way", they will tunnel around or even through it, giving mice and voles easy eating. Natural controls include physical barriers and predators.
Deer are browsers, taking a nip here and there as they graze. When a particularly tasty leaf, bud or flower is found, all the buds on a single plant may be consumed, but the stem right next to it could remain complete and whole.
We have always enjoyed the comfort of our animals while we garden, but yes, sometimes they can get into trouble.
Creeping fieldcress - Are you getting more than you expected? Noxious weed, introduced to USA in roots of imported plants. Check your garden now, this plant is next to impossible to eradicate, don't let it go to seed!
There is no such thing outside of hydroponics; getting rid of perennial weeds and vines takes some time but it is achievable.
Regularly inspect your garden throughout the growing season, bearing in mind that some cultivars may have suspicious-looking foliage early in the season, but look great later. This is due to environmental issues, not virus. If in a group of recently planted lilies all look great except one, keep an eye on the one which looks unhealthy, but check for outside factors also...
This is simply a Penicillin mold, which does not harm lily bulbs. Lilies are very high in sugar content (their stored food for the next season's growth) and during storage penicillin growth often appears where there might have been a small harvesting bruise...(more)
We were sound asleep when the “intruder” alarm suddenly went off this morning... Read the story and click on the link for FREE plans for "bat houses" in your garden.
