Anemone enemy

I noticed a few days ago that something has been chewing on my Japanese Anemones, also known as windflowers. They were shipped from White Flower Farm in 3″ pots way back in May, but didn’t get planted until June. They’ve been thriving despite the heat and lack of rain, and the one pictured above had one primary stalk that had a leaf on it as big as the palm of my hand. Until last week. I couldn’t imagine what could be causing the damage; it seemed unlikely that the neighborhood wild rabbits would be eating them, as they pretty much stick to the backyard. I haven’t seen any slugs or caterpillars since late June, and really haven’t noticed any beetles. What could be causing the problem?

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Perhaps it could be her??

I’ve never been more shocked at anything in my life than I was to see this little fawn standing with her front feet on my front porch this morning. It was late morning – about 10:45 – and she was just as calm and unhurried as could be. I was backing my car out of the garage and just happened to glance over that way, and there she was. She was nibbling on the sweet green grass that grows on that side of the house where it’s shady, and taking dainty bites of the sunflower and safflower seeds that the birds have tossed out of the feeder in their frenzy.

I actually called the local DNR to see if there was anything that could be done – I live fairly close to a major state highway, and I would feel incredibly guilty if something happened to her. Apparently, however, it’s completely normal for fawns to be left alone during the day – just like with wild rabbits, the does don’t want to attract attention to their young, so they stay away during the heat of the day. Most fawns don’t wander the neighborhood, though… this little one was pretty brave, but I guess it’s just very quiet at that time of day.

I love nature.

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