Can you see the caged plants? Specifically white peonies? No, of course not. There are only little red buds down under the mulch in the center of these cages. But soon enough, the cages will disappear in and among all the foliage of these peonies.
So many love peonies. I also love them tremendously. I don't love them much when their beautiful faces are lying on the ground after a heavy rain or a windy day though. That is why all of my peonies are caged.
Mr. Fix-it purchased a huge roll of old concrete reinforcing wire many, many years ago. I believe he purchased it at the metal place on College Street. The price he paid was very low. This wire has saved hundreds of dollars! I use it to cage all sorts of critters-oops-plants. Plants like: tomatoes, peonies, sedums, and mums. I also use it on trellises for growing gourds and cucumbers. It works super and is virtually indestructible.
I designed these peony cages to my specifications exactly, and it has taken me a while to figure out what would work best. Either the cage was too big or not too high. My design has exactly two full six inch squares in height, and about nine squares around. I leave the bottom edge unfinished so I will have stakes to push into the ground for stabilization.
The cages are not the most attractive thing when the peonies are sleeping such as now, but they sure serve a function and I find them to be unobtrusive in the garden. They not only hold up the peonies beautiful blooms, but they remind the gardener (me) not to dig in that spot. This is a big help in my hard working garden.
Skeeter went and got herself a cute little gnome. She hasn't told the Saint as of yet and plans to let him find it on his own. I think he is going to like the little fella. We can see this guy is a gnome of leisure. Maybe he is reading a gardening book and wondering if those peony cages will hinder him in any way.
in the garden....being cagey.
