Muddy_boots' Blog

SMELLY PLANTS AND OTHER THINGS

Posted on 22 May, 2008 2 comments

PEE OFF PLANT

AKA Dog Gone, Scardy Cat, Dog Be Gone, Dogbane, Pee Off, and a patented name (similar word for Pee)-Off Plant, and Dog Bane were just some of the names I have found for these plants. I usually refer it as the Scardy Cat Plant

Which ever way you look at it, cats and dogs are not welcome. However, I have read, that it is not a 100% remedy. But if the 99% works on some of the cats around here, it may just be worth planting with the lavender and rosemary on the side. I tend to plant in medium sized pots, so that I can move them around the garden. They do need a fair amount of space, as they can spread to about 24”

The scent of the crushed leaves is pungent, but I don’t think too unpleasant. My sister and Brother-in-law may really disagree, as the first time I ever had them from Matthews Palnts in Epping, or Enfield, they stank the car out coming back to Wisbech. They don’t normally smell, unless rubbed against and cats that have done this have been observed to get really annoyed with themselves, trying to get rid of the smell. When they rub against the leaves,a slight greasy residue is left on their fur.





Coleus cannis

It has a smell you either like or hate, which is said to repel dogs, cats, squirrels, deer and rabbits. The flower is purple, not unlike a
lavender flower, most attractive. The flower does not produce seeds, so it’s best to take cuttings before the first frost and protect them over winter or the pots in the greenhouse. The plants are extensively drought tolerant.



Had an easy day out in the garden today. Got myself a can of Holsten and sat down to watch the birds. They fascinate me. There is a family of coal tits in one of the boxes. The parents are in and out all day, with the chicks kicking up a hell of a racket. I don’t think it’ll be long before they fledge, as I have seen some little faces at the entrance hole while the parents are off looking for food.

I’ve also had some sparrows screaching to be fed now that they are fledged. There is a robin with a youngster too. I only see one adult with the little ‘un, which I first thought was a sparrow as it is about the same colouring. I have seen a blackbird feeding what I suppose is a youngster.

It’s all happening folks and the antics that a pair of collared doves are getting up to, makes me think we’ll have little ‘uns there too before too long!

Just wish I could take some photos of the birds and still nothing in my cam box. I’ve cleared and tied back a bit around that box. Watching the coal tits, it seems that they like to perch on the fence or shrubs to survey the area before going into their box.

It does surprise me where are all these birds find insects and things from, as I haven’t seen any creapy crawlies around yet! Thankfully.

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