What pest eats bud sites off a stem but leaves the tops alone? I think it's earwigs but a friend mentioned inch worms. Any idea the culprit or how to

What was eating all the budsites were the earwigs. I'm mitigating that problem this year by placing my cage on tar. Try going through my sand moat and then tunnel through the tar you prehistoric bastards! I hope that borax did you some good!

rabbits or other vermin, they only eat what they can reach, if you lucky

I seen grass hoppers chew through stems with ease. Causing the whole branch to snap off. Inchworms are voracious leaf eaters that feed on plant foliage both day and night. Often found in large groups, they'll also feed alone. New leaves, leaf buds, flower buds, fruits and berries may all be targets. Damage ranges from large holes to nearly total defoliation.

Rats?