The Skin of My Teeth seedling looks great. It is so hard to capture color accurately unless there is cloud cover. In summer that's always wishful thinking........Not overly impressed with the color of Ruth Watkins Davidson, but I sure like the edge........I'm always sorry for people who have deer problems. So much valuable time spent spraying. Is the deer spray heat sensitive as in it would damage your plants if it was too hot or too cold when you applied it? I'm guessing a fence is out.............Maryl

Sorry about the deer issues. I have had problems off and on through the years since I am surrounded by woods. I wake up each morning with fear in my heart as I rush out to check my gardens. Does your state allow hunting? New Hampshire allows hunting so the deer population stays in check. There are deer around but not in huge numbers. Your seedlings are beautiful. Well done! Of the registered ones, I'm partial to Sensational Heart, Maney Augustine and Ruth Watkins Davidson.

Celeste - I live in the city - about 7 miles from downtown Nashville. Hunting is not allowed in the city. That's how the deer and coyote population got so large. The deer used to live in wooded areas along the Cumberland River, but development on the river over the years took their habitat, and now they roam the city streets. Thanks for the comments on the seedlings and registered daylilies!

Debra

That Inimitable seedling is showing off again, such a wonderful creation you did. With all of the deer problems its still good to see so many wonderful blooms. Hope those darn deer stay away from now on.

Sherry

I have a resident deer in the grove of trees behind my house. i see him almost every morning-not afraid at all. I have to keep a double dose of spray in that area. I keep waiting for the rest of the family to show. I feel your pain on fighting them.

The Skin of My Teeth and the Inimitable seedlings are standouts. Kentucky Lucky always draws my attention. I love the color on Sensational Heart. Hoping you can keep the deer at bay.

Maryl - Thanks for the shoutout on Skin X Midnight Castle. When it first bloomed three years ago, I couldn't believe what a true purple color it was. Too bad the grubs got to in in Year 2.

A fence to combat the deer is certainly a future possibility. But I understand from others that even a 6 foot tall fence may not keep mature deer out if they REALLY want to eat the daylilies inside. Before a fence was out because because of all my feral kitties coming and going. Now the outside kits have all been picked off by coyotes, and only Mother Tuxie remains. (Cowgirl, my inside cat, is the only one left of the Gypsy kittens after 13 years.) Tuxie is slowing down and has had several close calls in the past two years. Should she disappear like the others did, I would add a fence.

Debra

Kay and Sherry - Thanks for your comments about the Inimitable seedling. I'm very glad the deer didn't get to it.

Kay - If only I had some buckshot and a shotgun! But I'd have to sleep out in the yard to catch them. My neighbor who is a bartender gets home at 1 or 2 in the morning, and she says she always sees some on our street at that time.

Kate - I may need to triple dose some areas to protect them. Thanks for your comments!

Debra

You should consider a fence. I just use a mesh fence strung between poles. Six feet is plenty high, and as the deer grow accustomed NOT to visit your garden, there will be fewer efforts to break through the mesh. (You can also spray the mesh.) They don't forget a previous year's meal. It's a lot of work to put up the fence; perhaps a more permanent one is also an option. Regardless, it gives peace of mind during the blooming season. The Inimitable seedling looks appealing.

I am so sorry about the deer problems. I agree with Mantis trying mesh and spraying it. Also you could use some noise like firecrackers if they are allowed [just little ones, enough to scare them] or recordings with loud speakers of firecrackers or dogs or something.

I like Sensational Heart, quite bright. Also Skin of My Teeth X Midnight Castle #2.

Brad

I know the ups and downs of having deer around. Do as much as you can. On a brighter note, the blooms look very good. ;

Julia

Julia - How is your war going with the deer this year?

Brad and Mantis - I have way too many daylily beds spread throughout the yard to fool with mesh. If I get a fence, it will be a permanent one that protects my side yards and the backyard. I'm thinking of eliminating most of the daylilies in the front. If I could get it down to just 10 there, I could better handle applying the deer and grub deterrent.

Debra

I am so sorry about the deer problem! This year I have suddenly lost a few blooms to deer after not being harrassed before. Drought maybe drove them to it? They have not eaten much except my seedling daylilies at least. And just an odd scape or 2 here and there. Rather odd. So many gorgeous photos though, and I love your seedlings!

Nancy - Yes, maybe the drought is partly responsible to eating more daylilies than in the past. And they must be really starved to eat my Japanese Anemones. It's funny that you are not that bothered that they ate your seedling daylilies, and the seedlings are what I'm most trying to protect here.

Debra

LOL, Debra! I don't have the gorgeous seedlings you have though! I would probably be upset if I had 1st time bloomers, but I have had problems the last 2 years and not many made it to adulthood. I have seen all these seedlings bloom, I have kept them a few years just because they bloom well but will leave at some point.