Gleni, I'd like to be a real hoarder but this little garden won't allow me!

Larry, many thanks, I have to say I was really pleased when we dug them and I could see how well they were. The blooming plant has been planted at my friend's garden but still I don't know if it's doing well or not, mine (I had two fans) is in bloom today.

Healthy looking for sure. If I were your friend I would be ecstatic !

Well, I have had some of my space problems solved. I was away late afternoon and went down to my garden tonight to check the water was off. By torchlight I noticed that about 30 of my seedlings were gone, including precious ones raised from seed from the US. As well, several cultivars had been shredded. I won't know the full extent of the damage till daylight but it is not good. It seems a flock of Sulfur-crested Cockatoos went through the garden in the hour I was out. The worse thing is that they were not even eating them. They just destroy things sometimes. I am sad.

That's horrible, Glen!

Oh no. That is so disheartening. I am so sorry

Gleni said:Well, I have had some of my space problems solved. I was away late afternoon and went down to my garden tonight to check the water was off. By torchlight I noticed that about 30 of my seedlings were gone, including precious ones raised from seed from the US. As well, several cultivars had been shredded. I won't know the full extent of the damage till daylight but it is not good. It seems a flock of Sulfur-crested Cockatoos went through the garden in the hour I was out. The worse thing is that they were not even eating them. They just destroy things sometimes. I am sad.

Sorry to hear this.

Glen - so sorry to hear! I have raccoons that dig the plant out and leave it next to the hole. Hopefully you can salvage at least something out of it.

Glen, that is horrible! Did they leave any of the crown that could be replanted?

Sorry to hear, Glen. I had to battle with crows earlier this season and dealing with problem birds is difficult when you want to keep the good ones around!

I made these fancy ( ) bird-scarers to put in the garden. They clank like mad when there's a breeze, and the crows hate them. The hummingbirds have been oblivious to them though, which I am thankful for. I drew a face on it with a paint pen so if there was no wind they had an angry 'face' staring at them They have not been back since I put these up.




I don't know if it would work for cockatoos, but it didn't cost much to make them, nor did it take much time...might be worth a try.

Hope the damage isn't too horrible.

So sorry to hear this, Glen! I would be very sad too

Thanks for the good cheer everyone.

Regina that is an excellent idea. I will try it.

The final count this morning was 17 seedlings gone: dismembered and spread throughout the garden. But I may have saved another 8 hopefully from regrowth from the crown.

That's awful Glen. So sorry for losing all of your seedlings.

I'm so sorry for your loss; I hope you can re-grow the ones that you saved.

Glen -

Thank you all kindly. The cockatoos came back today but I was there waiting. We screeched at each other. They are formidable to look upon but I was firm.

Gleni said:Thank you all kindly. The cockatoos came back today but I was there waiting. We screeched at each other. They are formidable to look upon but I was firm.

I would laugh, except that losing seedlings is no laughing matter. But...

... * giggle *

That would be rather amusing to be up against this family/flock of cockatoos! Wildlife can be most destructive though, so no laughing matter in that respect. I hope they get your message ASAP, Glen!

Sorry for the disaster Glen!

Gleni said:Thank you all kindly. The cockatoos came back today but I was there waiting. We screeched at each other. They are formidable to look upon but I was firm.

This made me laugh so hard that my family wanted to know what I was looking at!!
My brother had a pet cockatoo that was completely destructive, so I can only imagine what the wild ones can do. They could be dangerous too, so watch out! Make one of my pie-plates to use as a mask and put it on while you're screeching. Don't forget to flap your arms up and down too



Sorry to make light of the situation but sometimes if you don't laugh, you might cry...I hope they find a new place soon.

Glen - it must be awfull to risk your seedlings everytime you leave the house..

I don't know how big and dangerous those cockatoos are, but is there no way to make a wired cage or something to protect you baby-plants? It may be unsightly, but it would be temporary until the plants are big enough


Mayo