Garden Update - Not a good one!

I have a garden update, and it's not a good one. I must tell you, my first flower garden bloomed up beautifully. It got to the point you saw not dirt, just gorgeous white, blue, purple, and pink flowers. I weeded it (when the rain allowed). And I felt such pride at what I created. 

Down by my mailbox, I had petunias and marigolds. One day a few weeks ago, all the petunias died! Just shrivlled up all brown and died! I couldn't understand what had happened, especially since the marigods are still there. But, I still had my flowers by the front door...right?

For a short time.  They didn't die. Something has eaten them! In a matter of a day or two. Flowers...gone. Instead I see eaten up green, ugly stems. AGH! Who ate my flowers? I inspected for bugs, but didn't find any. Is it the rain? We've had a ton of that this year. Needless to say, I miss my pretty flowers that I got to see each day. I wonder if I can revive them?

With summer coming to an end, I guess I can always fill that area with .... fall/winter flowers. Maybe I'll have better luck...once I discover what killed all the flowers.