skip to main content

Azalea & Rhododendron

Galloping gardeners strike again

cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)

9 years ago

Yikes! My two wonderful dogs have a completely different vision of my yard than I do. The most recent victim of their rearranging is a rhododendron that I have been babying for two years. It was about four feet tall, but very narrow thanks to the ministrations of the pups. Today, I discovered that it was completely broken near ground level. I trimmed the end of one long piece and stuck it in water for the time being. I have no idea when they did it. Aarrgghh. My yard looks like a dog park and I am thoroughly digusted. Still adore these stupid pups. Is there any way to root it at this point? It has so many buds and I hate to lose it, but I don't think it will make it without some miracle cure.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

coppice
9 years ago
It should grow out from the roots.
akamainegrower
9 years ago
It may or may not resprout from the trunk - some sort of barrier against the dogs would probably be a good idea. The odds against rooting any of the upper growth are astronomical. It's the wrong time of year and the wood is not in a condition for rooting.
Related Discussions
The Toxic Neighbour Strikes Again!
Q
Comments (31)
Oh you all are wonderful over here!!! I have a toxic one that poisons everything and puts out birdseed with a mouse trap in the middle of it. Isn't he lovely? He used to shoot every bird he could until we called the police so much his wife was embarrassed about blue lights in their yard all the time and she made him quite. I dont think i can call the police about him putting out a mouse trap though. What kind of mind to sit around all day and think of new ways to hurt innocent creatures? Chickadeedeedee i soooo feel your pain. Maybe the next time she attacks your pond she will fall in and in her heaviness will get stuck bottoms up and you can plant lily pads as cover and no one will ever know what happened. LOL :-)-----------bonnie
...See More
The 'mislabeled' seeds strike again! YAY!
Q
Comments (11)
Oh no, don't get me wrong folks. I LOVE surprises!! I had so many people stop by the side of the road asking what those lovely flowers were and since I hadn't grown them since moving here in 2001, they were more than welcome in the gardens. Brandy... Cute!! Don't think they were your's but if they were, a big Thank-You! Pippi, No idea what kind, just know they are a mix of annual poppies, some singles, some peony, some reds, some pinks, etc. They were a trade. I gathered seeds from last year's 'mistake' and sowed some of those too so this year will have LOTS! Glad2garden, I do HOS (Hunk of Seedlings) transplanting with these. I also make sure I plant them just before a few days of showers or light rain. In last year's case I filled holes in the gardens with them and planted them everywhere in two front garden beds knowing that I would probably yank them in late July to make room for other plants. You can however keep them going for longer if you deadhead them as long as you don't have heat. Living in Massachussetts you should be able to do that.
...See More
SRG Strikes Again!
Q
Comments (15)
Last Fall I bought a lot of grasses from SRG. Then, as soon as I put my order in, they put everything on sale. (!).. So I ordered more. So YES, they do have a Fall Sale and I am planning to take advantage of it. We got a ground "wetting" yesterday. It evaporated immediately. I do hope you are not in that part of Texas being ravaged by fires. I think Oklahoma is next as the fire danger is very high. The winds had died down here but now they are back.
...See More
HOUZZ facsism strikes again!
Q
Comments (47)
Paul, that's exactly it. But after the first full day of it, it went away for me. I don't know what's going on, but it hopefully won't continue to bother you. I found temporary relief by clearing the Houzz cookies (it did come back later, no matter what I did); try that and reboot, to see if that helps. After you reboot, be verrrrrrry careful when you do a search; when you type in the search bar and the dropdown list of topic options appears, to NOT search in "advice", no matter WHAT you're looking for. Once you do, the cookie for the dang pop up will get stored again. It's a pestilence. John
...See More
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks to both of you.

aka, that is what I figured. :( It is not feasible to keep the dogs away from this part of the yard. I would need to fence off most of my backyard and that would look not better-I have a large backyard with several levels that is basically a woodland garden. I have fenced of one small garden area behind the garage and although the plants are thriving there now, the chicken wire around it looks pretty bad. I plan to keep it though to preserve the plants (azaleas, hosta, sweet woodruff, etc.) The dogs are fairly large (80 pounds) and the mom is an unrepentant rodent chaser/digger. She will dig for them any time, any place. Stinker.

coppice, I will keep my fingers crossed, but I am not terrible hopeful. They broke it down pretty low. Thanks for the optimism!

I am hoping the buds will open here in the house, even if the wood doesn't root. Never forced a rhododendron before-haha.
Lily777
9 years ago
I call it "doggie daytona" when my two dogs chase each other around the backyard, trampling anything underfoot (paw). Ah, the joys of canine companionship. I fence off over half of my backyard, and it will stay fenced off until the Mutts of Mayhem are senior citizens. They like to pull off branches one by one or tear off portions of plants, or better still, grab a (newly planted) small shrub, pull it out of the ground, and play keep-away!
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Lily, sounds just like mine. Love that-Mutts of Mayhem. Mine are often referred to as the Mongrel Horde. May steal your name for yours. Very cute.

So far, the buds are showing no signs of opening. Very sad.

Related Stories

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: A Musical Couple's Home Strikes a Personal Chord

By Kimberley Bryan

Light, glass and many musical instruments animate this 1905 bucolic Washington farmhouse

FLOORS Drama’s Afoot With Striking Black Floors

Be bold. Be brave. Drench your floors in black for a memorable interior scene

BATHROOM DESIGN 7 Striking Paint Colors for Your Powder Room

By Jennifer Ott Design

Whether you opt for a little or a lot, see why the petite bathroom is the perfect place for a fun hue

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Striking Modern Remodel in Venice Beach

By Vanessa Brunner

California clients give their outdated beach bungalow a midcentury modern–inspired facelift

WALL TREATMENTS Idea of the Day: Tin Tiles Create a Striking Accent Wall

By Becky Harris

A bachelor's bedroom has the industrial style he loves but also is warm and comfortable

REMODELING GUIDES 7 Striking Contemporary Additions

Contrasting Designs Honor the Difference Between Old and New

DESIGNER SHOWCASES San Francisco Decorator Showcase: Happy Days Are Here Again

By Mary Jo Bowling

Creative ideas, bold colors and inventive materials abound under one (very large) roof

WINTER GARDENING Great Design Plant: Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Yes, you can actually eat them. Or you can just marvel at their striking, unusual foliage during all four seasons in the garden

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Nourish Wildlife With American Beautyberry

By Falon Mihalic

The bright purple berries of Callicarpa americana feed winged beauties and make the Southeast U.S. native a fall garden standout

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Mertensia Virginica

By Curtis Adams

Virginia bluebells provides relief from winter with a big display of color

Sponsored