Are Astilbe Bulbs one of the bulbs that squirrels will dig up? I will be planting them soon and squirrels
do hang out in that part of the yard and I cannot find any info on the web about squirrels with this
particular type of bulb. Thanks!

Astilbe are not bulbs. They are "rhizomatous flowering plants". Our squirrels have never bothered with them, ever.

I planted several of the little swiveled up dried looking plants last year, only two have returned so far, but the squirrels did not bother them at all (I have a huge squirrel population).

Thanks for the replies. I will plant them and likely buy some from the nursery this spring already bloomed because I
just love these beautiful plants.

Between chipmunks and squirrels, some critters like digging in newly disturbed soil. You could sprinkle some cayenne pepper around your new babies until they get settled in. I have issues with the critters after planting in the spring. They're not eating plants so I think they're looking for something else.

You're right - it's the nice soft soil that probably entices them.

Besides the birds I feed the squirrels, I nailed a feeder to the tree and keep it filled with peanuts, walnuts and a
occasional peanut butter sandwich, and I have never ever had a problem with them at my bird feeders, and I
think it is because I feed them well, so hopefully anything I plant they leave alone, but if I do plant something I
think they will mess with I will MAYBE use some cayenne pepper....I have 2 dogs that go in the yard.

Peanuts, walnuts and peanut butter sandwiches...do you have trouble with people invading your yard?

Seedfork said:Peanuts, walnuts and peanut butter sandwiches...do you have trouble with people invading your yard?

but I have scolded my husband when he sees a bag of peanuts and I tell him it is not for him.

Sounds like it won't be too long before your husband and the squirrel sit outside together eating peanuts together!

One of the funniest things I saw was the spring where a squirrel got hold of a round butchers bone my dogs had laying around,
and all spring and summer we saw that squirrel carrying that bone around, like it was a prized possession! Just like leaving
home and making sure you have your wallet or purse!