Many gardeners have been beset by deer -- lovely animals that they are -- who spend too much of their time lunching in our yards.

So, since Bambi and her bambinos literally deflowered my gardens of all impatiens and verbena last summer, I knew I had to do something this summer to stop the crew from dining out at Chez Bordeleau so much. So I planted 5 lavenders (smelly to deer) along the front walkway -- and I added mothballs (really smelly to deer) for good measure.

So far: Success. The verbena and impatiens seem to be doing very well and growing quickly -- not a nibble out of them!

Also, my blue indigo plant -- which is at least 7-8 years old -- never disappoints. It's in bloom now in the front yard, adding a gorgeous purple-blue color to the landscape.

The herb garden is coming along, too, with the nasturtiums already blooming. For those unfamiliar with that plant, it has beautiful red, orange and yellow edible flowers, which are delicious -- and pretty -- in a salad. Nasturtiums, which have a sort of horseradish/peppery flavor, can also be used to garnish cheese platters and other appetizer presentations.