The daylilies that didn't

Didn't make it, that is. And I'll show you why.
This:

 and this:

SHOULD look like these:

Aren't they so beautiful? I just LOVE daylilies.

The reason why the stubby ones (and unfortunately there a lot more stubby ones I didn't take pictures of) are stubby is because of this and his buddies:

I'll tell you a secret: my hubby swears he can take care of it.
I believe him. The only problem is hunting is illegal in the city.
I need to figure out some other way to keep them from chowing down on my daylilies!