I did cut more 1/4" hardware cloth sleeves to protect trees. As long as I do a few at a time, I can get most protected before the coldest weather sets in. Many already have sleeves from previous years. The largest Greenspire linden needed more room, I added a larger sleeve for that tree. Most of the figs and fruit trees are protected.
I also moved some fencing loops to shrubs that the deer like. No effort. I used those to support plastic tunnels last winter. Coincidence, they are good size and shape to protect some shrubs.
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| Image of German Water Vole. via commons.wikimedia.org |
I've come to regard protection from animals as an inseparable dimension in gardening, equal to mulch, fertilizer, water, pruning. In town, sometimes not such an issue. In the country, it is.
Rain is near continuous now. I like that. It ranges from mist, to drizzle, to pouring, with some breaks in between. Even in rain and overcast, sunroom is suprisingly bright.
Finally planted some bearded iris seeds. Only a few seeds, from Pallida dalmatica. No way to know if it was self pollinated or cross pollinated. I would bet self. If they grow, we may find out in a few years.
The image is not one of our local voles. I image they look similar. This one is a German water vole. Despite their compelling cuteness, voles are not wanted. They can kill a 10 year old tree by girdling the bark, in one night.
That's about all.
