Herb Gardens and "The Deer"

The following is a picture of my herb garden. (many thanks to the Norwegians for much of the herbal-ness).

I have finally put the screened-in-porch together. It was home to the seedlings only a few short weeks ago. The floor was covered in potting soil and the plants not more than a wee bit tall. Two weekends ago Matt put the screens up for me and prest-o, change-o, we have a very relaxing screened in porch, which faces southwest (not the airlines). The rocker looks directly to the west for some of the most fantastic sunsets. It's the kind of porch I'd like to sit with Oslo at my feet and next to Matt, watch the sunset and watch the years roll over. Corny? Yes. True? Definitely.

Operation "Deer-Be-Gone" is NOT going swimmingly. Though, I have to admit, I am enjoying the evening hunt. To catch you up to speed, we jumped the deer four times from the woods next to the drive. Then on Saturday Matt saw the deer two fields down. First he saw the deer on his bike ride out and the second time coming in from his ride. Last night, Oslo and I jumped the deer behind the house inadvertently as we were killing garden snails in one of the smaller gardens.

Tonight, well, tonight my loyal blog readers (whoever you are), Oslo sniffed the deer out. We were (as the crow flies) 200 meters from the rocking chair towards the sunset (if there was a sun to set tonight. Overcast with sprinkles). We were walking down Fred's drive and I said to Oslo, "Stay out of the tall grass, buddy." He half obeyed when Mr. or Mrs. Deer (jury is still out on that one) jumped up from its nesting position. Oslo's testosterone went from 0-60 in .5 seconds. He chased the deer to the opening of Mike's field. He watched it run into the back woods. By the time I caught up to Oslo, I just saw the deer's behind slip into the woods.

Dios mio, that thing is persistent.

I went through the gardens today and did some much needed clipping of dead leaves, flowers, etc. I must report on the fennel. It is rocking the garden party. I have three large stocks (from seedling) and I have two stocks from seed. It is strong and healthy, as is the celery, which I was initially really skeptical about and quite sad to imagine it not working out.

Dear Deer, if you are reading this blog please understand how exciting watching these plants grow is for me. Admire it from the outside and find someone else's garden to destroy come late July. Please. If not, I promise I will get the last laugh in November. One way or another, deer, I will get my veggies. Is that a threat? Let me think... YES!

Remember to manicure your plant leaves and cut off any dead flowers.
Happy growing and deer abating,
--Annie