Terra if the petals a definitely 'chewed' then it isn't birds and is unlikely to be insects which leaves mice as your culprit - could they be living in the raised bed?

TT I have never encountered this problem and I have always had Aubrieta. It will be interesting to find out. I normally find snails hiding under this plant but they don't do it any harm - makes a change!

Thanks for your suggestions... yes, Moongrower.... there's a very good chance there are mice living in the raised bed.... any advice on mice deterrents please ?

Other than a cat? lol no not really... Traps are the only thing I know of that work.

Truffle seems to prefer chasing his dinosaur squeaky toy. Lol.

Thanks for your help with this. I'm off out now to concrete up a couple of gaps which I think are making the raised bed into too much of a mouse paradise. :o)

Good luck Terra...

Thanks... just taking a break half way through the concreting.... rather ancient cement so not sure if it will set and dry correctly.LOL. I'm having to wiggle on my stomach underneath the Pieris to reach the brick holes...Lol.Lol.

Trying to think what I could spray on the flowers of which the mice wouldn't like the taste.. Seem to recall reading on google about an oil..... needs to be something which won't harm the flowers.... any ideas please ?

Not off the top of my head but will have a think

Thanks ... much appreciated...:o)

Tea tree oil ???? I know the cats don't like this

I don't either ;-)
Good luck with the mouseproofing Tt.

Thanks Terry and Louise...
I also had some advice that the problem could be caused by tiny slugs...

That's a possible TT

Yes, I had the hint from a "GoY Guru" ...
... so used just a little "nature friendly" anti slug remedy, and it seems to have solved the problem..

Thanks to you Moongrower, and others for your time and help with this. x

Glad to be able to help TT

We have a very long wall on which spill aubretia and arabis for many years. Recently I have found holes along the top of the wall, must be mice, but never have I seen chewed petals. I would be interested if you ever find the culprit.
I have found several chewed leaves on other plants this year which I have never encountered before.
Clementine

Hi Clementine..

I came to the conclusion that tiny slugs were to blame ...