………………..The “KITCHEN GARDEN”….called that because it is just outside of my kitchen at the edge of the brick patio, and the beginning of the back yard….The potted flowers are really growing, and filling out beautifully….All of my geraniums, that have spent the long winter on my sunporch, are also growing new leaves and lots of flowers. I wasn’t sure if they were going to make it, but they are thriving in the sun and rain….a little “BLOOM BUSTER” helped too!….My rose trees are also doing great. I just gave them a major pruning and cut off all of the dead flowers so new growth has already started…..Photo second down on the extreme right shows the new growth on my rose trees after I cut the old dying flowers off…..The red growth is all new, and tiny buds are already starting to appear…..My only disappointment are my ZINNIAS….one of my favorite flowers! The rabbits are eating them! Not only are they eating them, but they eat the tops off where the flowers grow from. In the top photo second in from the left you can see the zinnias with the tops gone. Those little rascals come late late at night and do their dirty deed! I have tried everything….sprays, pellets, but nothing keeps them away…..Where are the foxes that sometimes appear when you need them!
It is so encouraging to hear your geraniums and rose trees thriving after the winter, especially with the fresh new growth appearing on those buds. While the zinnia situation with the rabbits is frustrating, it reminds us that gardening often requires a bit of creative problem-solving when nature gets a little too bold. Thanks for sharing these updates from your kitchen garden!
It is so encouraging to see your zinnias, roses, and geraniums thriving despite the challenging winter, especially with those fresh buds already forming on the pruned roses. Rabbit damage can be incredibly frustrating since it kills the plants at the source, so you might consider installing a low mesh fence around the zinnia patch as a simple physical barrier to keep them out without relying on chemicals or hoping for foxes to return.
It’s so inspiring to read about your kitchen garden thriving—especially seeing those geraniums and rose trees come back to life after winter! I love how you’ve embraced the challenges, like the rabbits taking over the zinnias, because it makes the garden feel so real and lived-in. Your honest take on the little garden struggles really resonates.
The red new-growth on your rose trees is such a rewarding sight after all the hard work of pruning. It is a bit of a daily battle with those rabbits, but your patio garden clearly looks like it is thriving under your care.
It’s so inspiring to read about your kitchen garden thriving—especially the resilience of your geraniums and the new growth on your roses after pruning. I totally get the rabbit frustration with the zinnias; those little ones know exactly where to strike! Hope you find a solution soon, or maybe the foxes will make an appearance when you need them most.
I agree with Donna! Get those zinnias into the house in a pretty vase!
In a back corner LOUIS plant sweet potato vines that those cute bunnies love! Here at the Jersey Shore, the Hawks will get them🙄
Wishing all Peace, Irene ❤️🙏
Louis, your garden sounds like it’s really thriving this season! I’ve had the same issue with rabbits and zinnias—have you tried placing mesh cloches over them at night? It helped protect mine without being too obtrusive.
Louis, Everything looks beautiful in your garden. Zinnias are a favorite of mine too. I love how colorful they are and they make great cut flowers. Here in California where I live it gets HOT and the zinnias love the heat.
(Not me, however.) BTW – I can’t get your crab cakes out of my mind!