I’VE BEEN OUT ON LONG ISLAND this mostly dreary weekend, which confirmed that early March is not my favorite time of year. It’s those last weeks before green shoots emerge and buds pop that are the hardest.
I had planned to do a bit of yard work — cutting back grasses, re-planting frost-heaved perennials, picking up storm damage — but I didn’t. It wasn’t the drizzle. It wasn’t laziness. It was discouragement.
The deer damage is extensive. I don’t know if it’s because I wasn’t here much this winter, like I was last, or because I planted a lot of new stuff in the fall — evergreen stuff that ought to be green and is now mere twig. They went after hollies and skip laurel. Mountain laurel, too. And the ilex (above and below) that I hoped would provide screening. In some cases where shrubs are bare, I’m not sure whether they’re deciduous or de-nuded. I’d have to look it up, and I haven’t even had the heart to do that.
Early in the weekend, I got out my supplies for making a batch of homemade deer repellent. Then I put it all away. They’ve already eaten everything. Either it will come back or it won’t.
I ought to have gone in for the burlap treatment like my neighbors, below. That would have been do-able, and I’m pissed at myself that I didn’t do it.
The subject of deer fencing is hereby re-opened.
On a brighter note, below, I now have a bathroom sink.
casaCARA 
Regarding the deer, didn’t you have an excessive amount of snow this year? They do need to eat. I’m totally sure your plants will all regrow. We’re in Michigan and every night we have deer. They denude my hollies, graze my roses, etc. but every Spring when there’s more vegetation for them to graze, everything has a chance to grow back just fine. So don’t worry! :o) Jeanne
Thanks, Jeanne, that’s good to hear. I sure hope you’re right!
Sorry Cara, I know what a bummer that is!
I do like the bathroom sink though!
I would be discouraged too with the deer damage. Hopefully the plants will recover. On an ironic note, I’m seeing an ad for Deer Park water below the post.
Ads on my blog? Horrors! I had no idea WordPress did such a thing. Thanks for telling me, Patti!
Love the sink, love the grout.
That’s odd. There shouldn’t be ads on the site. Love the sink!
If the sun is out when a guest goes to pee, please remind her to use sunglasses! Spectacular!
No ads here.
Agree with Jeanne – the amount of damage this year is probably directly proportional to the snow covered ground. Hoping everything comes back strong in a few months.
Sink looks great, and I really like the grout. Will have to remember that idea.
I love the new sink! It’s gorgeous!
Re: the deer…I had a feeling this would happen. But, listen, everything will come back. Just protect the shrubs this coming late fall. Do they eat shrub oaks and bayberry? Those might be candidates for the next go’round.
Best wishes for this coming growing season! Avoid all things deerable! Or, install a 10 foot fence and pray! ;-)