Wayne named his project "Stairway to Heaven." He did finish the "Stairs to Heaven" but doesn't have time to finish the handrails on the right side before we start traveling again. It has become a pretty massive project but Wayne has done an awesome job. He also enjoyed working outside all summer. He told me that maybe he should have been a builder, instead of an entertainer. What do you think?
The above photo is Wayne's project that he designed and built to solve the problem of the deer eating the new plants that he planted this spring. He picked the plants out, but can't remember what they are called. They are beautiful with violet flowers. I also sprayed "Deer Off" on them and the other deer resistant plants that he planted new last fall. Last winter the deer ate them right down to the ground even though he put in ultrasonic pest repellents. They were totally ineffective. Most of plants came back this summer, but they are still very small.
I'll let you know how "Deer Off" works. It sure had an unpleasant odor when I was spraying the plants. Thank you for all for your suggestions on how to keep the deer from eating everything in our yard. We are really overrun by the deer population. This summer we have seen them in the middle of the day strolling down the street like they own the area. They are so at home that they don't even move anymore when they see a human or a car. It's unbelievable!
Do you have any other ideas for us to try next year if these don't work?
20 comments:
Wayne, I love your "Stairway to Heaven". Quite the Carpenter (Jesus was a good example). Hope you didn't get any splinters (lol).
Also, protection for your plants - very cleaver. Deer can be so distructive. How can such a cute animal be so difficult to keep out of the garden?
Thanks for sharing and for always sharing a laugh.
~Anamaria =)
We occ have deer come thru our neighborhood and I am forever in awe seeing them. I hope a day doesn't come when they don't exist anymore. Some of the reasons they come are because we continue to "relocate" them when we develop new communities, have had a bad water year or feed them. I'm sorry they are eating your plants, But it's nice to see them roaming rather than locked up. Good Luck with deterring them!
Congratulations Wayne!!!yes, he could be as good a builder!!
the deer come next to your home ....unbeliebable !!
Hugs
Cathy
Wayne did a great job with his stair project. You're lucky he is one he likes to build and fix things.
Sorry to hear about the deer problem. I love them - have you ever taken pictures of them? We see a few when we go down our main road at times - never having a camera ready. They're a beautiful animal, that's for sure.
Enjoy the travels to Branson. Sorry to say I won't be seeing you guys this year. Mom had a mild stroke and she is now with us, so I'll be taking care of her until she can get back on her own, if and when that happens. Have fun in Branson and success w/the show. Have a pancake for me at iHOP - HAH!!!!
Unfortunately I don't have any suggestions except knowing some hunters that would love to have that happen during deer season and them be there.
I have found that Deer Off (HORRIBLE smell - I agree) works pretty well, but you have to reapply it every time it rains or if you use the sprinklers on your plants. Also, obviously you don't want it on any plants you plan to pick for a bouqet. eww. Unless maybe you can wash it off and then use the flowers.
Personally, I love having deer around, only worry about them getting hit by cars. That said, the whitetail deer we have here in Jersey are prettier than the mule deer of Utah. But I loved them both. What can you expect from someone with the nickname of CritterLady? ;) At least you don't have squirrels also eating your garden. Love and miss you!
Linda
A No! He is an awsome! entertainer. I would have loved to go on tour with him I think we could have had loads of fun and gotten into some real trouble too..Pulling pranks oh that would have been so fun..Nice stairs, but how do you get down with out a railing on the right? I can see getting out. But nice way to keep people out though....
Wayne is a very talented carpenter indeed, but I'm thankful he is in the entertainment business. I wouldn't know what to do without the Osmond Family in my life.
Hi Kathy, I have a similar problem with sheep where I live, they break through barriers and run down the road without any regard for traffic or people. We just put up with it and inform the local farmer. Maybe there is a wildlife ranger you can inform. Also, Wayne has done a really great job on the steps, he definatley should have been a carpenter.
Hey Staff??? what's wrong with deers???? I love "wild kindom". Yes..they can they can be pest..but deers are a beautiful animal. As ALL GOD"S creatures. HERE i thought you were christian people. I am a farmer..and I LOVE ALL ANIMALS. We had to build a bigger fence then Wayne's yard, to keep the animals separt.
By the way??? Nice stairs. "Stairway to Heaven" hey? Cool baby...real cool!
I gotta an idea for NOW...try a real Family REUNION!!!!! I have done a family history...and I found out something. I have known since 1974.
Amazing project Wayne. Still don't think he should have been a builder rather than an entertainer however! We wouldn't be writing in here for one. He is just multi talented!
If you can't beat them, eat them!
Malin Lindqvist
Sweden
I am not sure what else to suggest for the deer problem (you seem to have thought of it all) but I am soooo impressed with Wayne's 'stairway to heaven' , that looks like a job very well done (even if not quite finished!). Hope it isn't too long before he can complete it. I enjoy working on projects outside and can well imagine that Wayne enjoyed his summer.
Kathy,
I believe those steps look long enough to go to heaven. lol Looks like a big job and also, beautiful.
I think Wayne does a marvelous job at being an entertainer and a builder. I think his first choice was the best, we would miss him if he quit and started being a builder.
By the way Rhonda and I have tickets for Nov 24th and 25th to see the Brothers again. Have row A both nights. Will be nice getting to see you again.
Rhonda told me we get to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Osmonds. lol
I have no idea what you can do to stop the deer.
Like you said, they will stand and stare at people, like they are not scared anymore. I hate deer season tho, sounds like a war going on behind out house. Sometimes I am almost afraid to ride up the rode.
Had a friend who used clippings from haircuts. Scattered them around whatever she wanted to protect from deer. Said it worked due to the human scent from the hair.
Is deer hunting legal in Utah? How come there are so many of them? I know in areas in Wisconsin where deer have become a problem the state has opened up a more extended hunting season. Whoever buys a hunting license can get more deer tags to help reduce the population.
The stairs look great!! Wayne did a great job!!
I live in the city and I see a lot of deers around.
As my friend and I were driving to the coast to see your sister in law in concert, I saw a deer on the side of the road. Thank goodness he didn't run in front of us. I know they always say hit the deer, but it would had been dangerous with the roads wet. I'm just glad he didn't run in front of us.
Wayne did a great job with the stairs. It looks like he's almost done. Does he have time to do the other side before you guys head to Branson in a week?
Beautiful job on the stairs. My brother is a big gardener and knows how to keep deer and other animals away from the flowers and veggies. Connecticut has a huge deer population. It sounds gross but urine is a great deer repellent. Chili powder and human hair work too but you need a lot. The chili powder seems easiest (buy a large container at the membership warehouses or normal sized containers at the dollar store) and it won't hurt the plants. Good luck.
Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I haven't ever heard of using chili powder. Do I apply it on the ground and leaves? Won't I have to reapply it when it rains or after the sprinkling system waters the plants? How much is a lot?
Hi Kathy! I don't know what warehouse stores are in your area- we have BJ's, Costco & Sam's Clubs in CT. You can buy inexpensive containers of Chili Powder (the smallest is usually 17 oz.) which is plenty for an application of that area--- sprinkle over plants & ground/mulch. If your irrigation system is set to run every day or you have a heavy down pour, you'll need to apply 2x/wk for 3wks. Oh, and don't stop the deer from approaching. They sniff before they nibble & they definitely don't like chili powder - it's like training a dog. After a few weeks the chili powder will accumulate (it doesn't dissipate) in a hardened state and continue to work. The deer quickly remember the first taste & stay away! As far as how much to apply...you'll know when YOU start sneezing or when your eyes begin to water!!! Good Luck. P.S. I love reading your blog! Will you becoming to CT in Jan and Sep?
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