I'm at my wit's end with the birdies.

[Cleita]

Sorry to suddenly drop in on your group with a problem, but the birds who are ordinarily welcome in my garden are eating all my fresh plantings, specifically a Blue Star Creeper that I planted around paving stones, which is also my path.

The day after I planted the Creeper, I came out and saw that there was nothing left but the stems. I threw a tent of bird netting over them and they recuperated. I no sooner took the netting off and they were back pecking on the new growth.

My problem is, that I really need to use my path first and secondly, how long is it going to take for the plant to grow big enough to be unpalatable to the birds, which brings me to another question? Is there any organic deterrent that I can spray on the plants that the birds will find unpalatable without using any questionable chemicals that might make them sick?

Again, my apologies for suddenly arriving, but I will appreciate any suggestions from gardeners who have solved this problem.

[KatyaR]

1. Whirligigs or pinwheels seem to help keep the birds away--

also windchimes if you have somewhere close to put them.

My favorite nursery sells pinwheels as a bird deterent--they usually make some kind of noise which I don't think the birds like. Of course, if you don't have much wind, then that won't work.

Good luck--that has to be frustrating . . . .

[Cleita]

2. I do have windchimes and the birds seem to like them, however,

the market had pinwheels on sale today. They are the flashing foil and different color ones. I bought several and placed them on the path. So far so good. There has been a breeze and the wheels are turning and sparkling. The birds are staying clear of the path. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks for the tip. :hi: