While my tulip bulbs are having a good chill in the crisper, I planted a few snowdrops. I only had ten, so I alternated bulbs between pansies in three narrow pots along the walkway. What beautiful displays I would have come spring.
Normally I add a layer of organic mulch, but in my never-ending quest to discourage snacking squirrels, I covered at least half of the pots with rough pea-gravel. I used what I had on hand, left over from a summer project. How I wish I had gone out to buy more!
It was a good, though unintended experiment I suppose.Those rascally squirrels dug up all the bulbs in the soft mulch pots. There was nothing stealth about that heist. They left gaping holes, scattered dirt and a disappointed gardener. The gravel-covered bulbs, however, are still untouched.
Perhaps there is something to the rough texture of the gravel or the extra weight. Maybe it detracts from smell of the tender bulbs buried below. For now, its working. Who knows? Perhaps they dug up the bulbs, so they could hide them somewhere else. I’ll have to wait for spring before I know. I’m pretty sure they ate them.
The tulips have been in the fridge since early October. I’ll plant them in mid-November while the squirrels have their backs turned. This time I’ll be sure to stock up on scratchy gravel ahead of time. Alternatively, I’ll purchase large bags of peanuts as a peace-offering, leaving mounds of them on top of the precious bulbs. It just might work!
Are you planting bulbs this year?
Gardening Nirvana 
It seems to me that the squirrels are extra busy this year! My yard has been attacked continuously for months and I have very little of interest to them. Hard winter forecasted?
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Hmmm. I wonder. We’ve always had an impressive population over here so I don’t have much to compare it to. I wonder if you have good nesting material in your yard or a tree that offers decent shelter. Hopefully they aren’t setting up shop in your attic or studio.
Thanks for commenting, Barbara.
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Oh no Barbara, do you think? Maybe they’ve just had too much caffeine.
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You’re too funny!
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😀 hehe
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Only you would set out MORE peanuts after the little rascals raided your fresh and apparently irresistable bulbs. I can see it now, busy little hands quickly robbing the bootie and leaving their mayhem behind. I hope you’ll be surprised in the spring, maybe they’ve just re-organized for you. They’ve probably put them in their tiny pantry for a cool spell. Good luck with the gravel!
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I must be crazy! They are so darn cute, it’s hard to stay annoyed for long.
Re-organized! LOL. My tulip bulbs are safe and sound in the fridge for now. Too bad they can’t stay there. 😉
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I could never resist them either, so I completely understand, GUILTY! I actually used to sneak Peanuts into the grocery cart. Jim want to set limits…but I wouldn’t want them to go one single day without. They are irresistible…then again, if sharks had fur and whiskers….nah, still not cute. 😉
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Sneaking peanuts into the cart! LOL we are two peas in a pod, Boomdee!
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