Using Snow To Deter Squirrels Digging Up Bulbs

Nothing gets me more frustrated than seeing tulips dug up by squirrels.

Grrr....

Tender yellow shoots emerging from the ground must be a thrill for the squirrel after a long harsh winter. Although, once they get the taste of the shoots, they continue to dig down and go for the bulb.

What bothers me more...is finding these half eaten green bits all about. At least eat everything if you're going to destroy the plant. Grrrr....

Even though this process is slightly redundant, that heap of snow you have at the side of the drive or in that shaded corner - well, it can be quite useful.

It will buy you a day or two of time, so that the squirrels become frustrated and move on - elsewhere.

Fill in the dug up areas, add some cayenne pepper or netting if you prefer and then cover the tulips with snow. Will give you a chance to come up with other ideas to ward off those pesky squirrels.

Depending on how warm it gets, you'll have to decide whether this process is worth the effort.  At least the slow melting will give the area adequate moisture to help make the tulips pop up more rapidly.

To us, it was...

Snow on top is like leaving a sign that says - take a hike!

I sure don't want to miss out on this display:

(with a Happy Dance, as spring is 3 days away)

Aphids on Thalictrum rochebrunianum Meadow Rue

Talk about aphid colonies taking over:

A week ago, flower buds were just hovering over this Meadow Rue. Today, I noticed one side of the plant had flower stalks shorter than the other.

On closer inspection, the stems were thicker and bits were moving. Aphids by the thousands were feeding on this poor stalk. Suppressing and dwarfing the flower head.

Aphids drip honeydew excrement, which leaves behind white/sticky coating on leaves below.

I refuse to use chemical controls for aphids. A heavy spray from a hose end attachment...

...usually does the trick and unfortunately, the colony was way too thick. I would waste too much water if used alone.

As I sprayed, I squished nearly all the soaked stems by hand. Yes, gross, but easy enough. Very cathartic to rid them in this way.

All clean.  Easily said than done. I will have to keep my eyes on these stems. Colonies can easily regroup and multiply.

Hopefully, the left side will now have enough energy and sap flow to regain what was lost from the aphids feeding.

The likely cause: very dry May weather. This site is usually quite damp and moist. Little rain and no irrigation have made aphids attracted to this succulent feast.