portulaca looks broken

Question

I live in a small town in the mid north of South Australia. The garden gets full sun. I planted portulaca along the front row of the garden. Every 2nd plant is all snapped off at the base. Also, my ranunculus leaves that were sprouting look as though they have been broken off. What is going on with my garden?? Malicious person?? My cat?? I don’t know 🙁

Answer 1

You have a mystery! I'm not sure, but I suspect a rabbit may be snapping off your plants, especially if the breaks are clean. If not a rabbit, possibly some other type of wildlife.

Here are some articles that may help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/keep-rabbits-out-of-gardens.htm