Deer

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In the morning, I smell them. Their scent floats along the fence on the East side of the garden. A musky smell, wild and dank.

I look for evidence. Phlox glaberrima 'Morris Berd' -- every pink blossom is nibbled away. Chartreuse foliage on yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima) is tattered and torn. Gumpo azaleas are trimmed into a tight ball.

Along the grassy path to the driveway, a branch on the dogwood hangs limply. The Johnny jump-ups, full of color yesterday, are nipped to the ground. The tender tips of the asters are roughly chopped. By good fortune, the daylilies and hostas are spared -- for now.

I have heard that deer love roses, thorns and all. Yet the ground cover roses along the street are ignored. If only 'Snow Carpet' would become a good meal, I could find the courage to replace them. I planted them 5 years ago to provide rose hips for the birds, unaware that ground cover roses form no hips. But despite my garden regrets, I do not welcome grazers.

I wish the deer family well -- a long and happy life. Living creatures need food to thrive. I hope they find plenty of nourishment in our neighbors yards.