The problem: I think my azalea was sabotaged by a neighbour or animal (?). I can't be sure who because I did not see them. The facts: Last weekend I cleaned out my garden bed to get ready for spring. All my plants were doing very well. I planted two new beautiful yellow blooming azaleas last year. Today, I went to check on my plants and I noticed that the azalea was cut - upon closer inspection; I saw that about twelve flower buds were cut with either scissors or with pruners. I am so mad because I've been looking forward to the flowers all winter long! I also noticed that my Japanese maple is missing 4 branches that were full of swollen buds! My one neighbour who cares a lot about plants was out a couple of days ago pruning away old growth from their plants while I was at work. Could it be? My questions: Is it possible for my azalea to grow some new buds this summer and flower? How should I approach the cutting of my plants without blaming? Could an animal have done this? I know about the insect that deadheads sunflowers...but I'm sure it's not a neat slanted cut! It has happened twice since I first posted this issue!
Now I feel a bit bad having thought the worst of my neighbour...can a squirrel cut so precisely? My plants are in trouble.
An idea might be to have a friendly general chat and mention the problems you have with your plants. Ask if they have similiar problems. They might just have the same problem and you can discuss solutions or if they are "guilty" they may think twice before going on to your property. Good luck and hope you get some flowers. Margaret
Margaret, I took your advice. I tried just what you said and went to one of my neighbours last night and brought up the topic along with some other friendly chatting. The wife did not really respond to the issue (she just sort of did a round about look) and her husband was speaking with mine so was not really part of the conversation. English is their second language and she has some difficulty expressing herself in English so maybe that's part of it. Anyway, I woke up this morning to find more cuttings, now a third plant has been targeted. I am not sure what else to do. I am feeling very upset about the whole thing. I am now convinced it is not an animal, the cuts are precise and slanted, just the way a pruner would do it. I am new to the neighbourhood and haven't really done anything that would make someone act in such a malicious way. Should I set some sort of trap to see what's going on? Any suggestions?
Have a look at Who is pruning my shrubs?, compare the cuts on your plants -- the consensus there seems to be rabbit or squirrel.
My neighbor's Magnolia has those precision cuts 20 to 30 feet off the ground so we know it's not vandals, deer or rabbits. Squirrels run rampant and damage many plants. When your bulbs start disappearing you'll know who's the culprit.
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. You all know much more than I do about animals in the garden. I especially loved that site where I can compare my cuts. I will report back my findings in another post. Thanks to all!
Okay, after looking at the other post recommended above, I am not sure what to think? The only unclear bit is why the branches are not being eaten. If the rabbit is that hungry, why not eat what they chew off?
