Two of what I think are Crytptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana' fell out of some fall themed pots along with some hardy yellow mums and followed me home. I should know. I bought them. Oh well.
Since it wasn't raining I went ahead and planted them to add to the low mounding tapestry of texture and color on the slope below the cozy cabin.
It's a big slope with small, slow growing, dwarf plants. I knew I could squeeze in some more winter interest without any problems.
It was cloudy, sixty five degrees and not raining. I went on a little weeding foray after I was done planting, targeting the cool season fescue grass that is still quite green under these optimum growing conditions. It's a weed I don't won't in the garden.
While I was weeding I discovered a most horrible thing. I may never know if the discard rack Hesperaloe parviflora are cold hardy for me. It certainly has not been cold enough to find out.
What I discovered was the Hesperaloe are apparently quite tasty. Some damn varmint found them, most likely a vole, and has been eating them up. One was completely gone. There was not a root or crown to be found. A second was seventy five percent et up. If the crown can't bud, it's a goner. A third showed signs of burrowing. Damn Varmints!!!
I can handle a plant not being cold hardy or not liking the conditions I have to offer. I know I am pushing the boundaries, even when doing it rather cautiously. It pisses me off when a plant is not varmint hardy. Damn Varmints!!!
The remaining six and a quarter Hesperaloe were promptly doused with Louisiana hot sauce and black pepper. Take that you Damn Varmint!!!
Oh the horror. Let there be lamentations. I have a garden to grow under enough extenuating circumstances as it is. The vermin supply here far out weighs the capacity of three cats and all kinds of natural predators. I had such high hopes for the Hesperaloe. It may not be varmint hardy.
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2 comments:
There is nothing more heartbreaking than a plant eaten from below so it looks fine at first and then just falls over when you touch it. My sympathies!I have one hesperaloe and for 2 years it has just sat there. Perhaps because my then-puppy tried to pull it out of the ground shortly after planting 2 years ago. There is more than one kind of varmint.
Christopher, a very Merry Christmas to you and safe travel.
Bev, I expect a tulip bulb to disappear, not the entire roots and crown of a hesperaloe. Damn varmints!! Merry Christmas to you. I hope the traffic is light.
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