For the first time in the eight years I have been living at my residence here in Central Maryland, I have spotted Deer - Momma and Fawn eating roses and other plants on or near my property. I do not live in the country but am only a short distance from woods and farm fields.

I have a 112 vine backyard vineyard that I am now concerned about. I have been told that one beaten egg per gallon of waterand stirred in the water and sprayed on the vines will deter deer - I have been told this by a commercial grower. They seem to hate the albumen in egg. It is not practical for commercial growers but may work for my 0.06 acre vineyard.

Anyone have any experience with this problem and have other possible solutions? I usually put up my netting around the first of August but may speed up the schedule this year. Of course, if the deer has a real taste for grapes the netting may not stop them.

The animals may be seeking revenge this year. Also for the first time I spotted a fox in the vineyard and the groundhogs are getting brave and even coming onto the deck and eating potted plants. As if the 13 inches of rain in less than a week wasn't bad enough, now I have critter problems.