Ignore the ham in the foreground. She's such an attention mooch! I took this photo to show you the bullies that are again taking over my kitchen garden.
I actually have lavendar, English daisies, delphiniums, and hostas in this garden, and you might even notice there are walk lights in there, too. Of course, you can't see the light they throw because those hollyhocks are relentless. This is what I have to thin out...soon. There are too many hiding places here for two predatory cats, and I need to protect the birds as best I'm able.
So, this is the area I'll tackle this weekend. I think I'm going to add some sort of retaining fencing in front of the hollyhocks that remain. It will keep them from falling forward, and it will act as a barrier between hidden felines and unsuspecting birds.
I'll show you what I end up with after the weekend. I hope it will look a lot different, and be much improved for the rest of my plants...among other things. I guess I'll begin by taking some measurements and heading over to the farm store for some fencing and mulch. Coffee first, and then I'm off to get my supplies.
I bet the Hollyhocks are so pretty though.
ReplyDeleteSilly kitty!
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteThey'll be beautiful, but they're a perfect place for Claudette to hide and ambush birds. Sadly, she's brought four back to the porch so far this year. I was able to release only one and it flew away. The rest were already room temperature when I found them. I hate that she is such a stealthy predator, but I'm praying removing her hiding place close to the house will help. My only consolation is that because I made the two cats house dwellers, their impact on the avian population is greatly diminished. It's still very sad, though.
Enjoy the beautiful WI weather, my friend.
xoxo
Donna
Hollyhocks make up for their predatory nature by being so pretty when they're in bloom. Obviously they must love that spot.
ReplyDeleteHi MA:
DeleteI agree. It's a cool (temperature) place for them to sleep in the summertime. See my response to Marilyn above to see why I'm thinning the hollyhocks, though. I love their looks, but the fact that they're such great hiding places is a negative.
Happy Weekend!
xoxo
Donna
I’m impressed by your garden. Your soil is obviously fabulous to support such healthy growth. You have a tough job ahead of you! Andrea Hickman
ReplyDeleteHi Andrea:
DeleteI began with five healthy hollyhocks, and they're all volunteers since. I managed to make just a small dent today before I ran out of steam. I'll do more tomorrow.
Happy Weekend.
xoxo
Donna
Sherry of createology: Oh how I love flowers and yet I have next to none. You have a flourish of lovely Hollyhocks and yet they must be culled. I am “jelly” green. Please take care while you are working your kitchen garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry:
DeleteI wish I could send you some of mine. Especially the lovely hollyhocks. Alas, I must cull them 1) if I want anything else to be able to grow there (hostas, english daisies, lavender), and 2) I must remove the hiding place from which Claudette and Crystal launch their attacks on hapless avian beauties, which is vastly more important than 1).
I'm working in short spurts so as not to over do it. So far, so good.
Happy Weekend, dear.
xoxo
Donna
Remember ruthless is the word. You sure have your work cut out for you this weekend.
ReplyDeleteYour idea with the barrier is wonderful.
Looking forward to your progress.
Looks like the little 'ham' thinks she is at the beach and is working on her base tan.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Shirley