It's Wabbit Season

White-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus townsendii)

I would like you to meet my nemesis. Don't get me wrong... I love all things cute and furry -- until they dine on my flowers. Less than 24 hours after planting seedlings in my new 22'x4' flower bed in the front I had a visit from those who previously ignored my yard. The worst part was that Mr. CF said I was just planting a rabbit buffet. Dang, I hate it when he's right.

I've sprinkled garlic granules (Yay Costco for the big jar) every other night and after the rain and it has helped somewhat. Of course I didn't discover that trick until after day one when they ate all three of my moonbeam tickseed down to the ground, nibbled and spat out the cosmos and zinnia, then at ate the tops off my sunflowers.

I saved Max's clippings from his last coiffure and think I'll try digging some of his fur into the soil. I've also heard that human hair works well too. Eww. The bed is near a well-travelled sidewalk as we are close to the elementary school, so one of those motion activated sprinklers may not be the answer.

Max resting after his high speed hare chase

I am so proud of Max. This afternoon when I opened the gate to put a support on the white peony out front there were FOUR of the varmints on our next-door neighbour's lawn (having just recently finished every last blossom on her new front flower bed). Now, you have to know Max for this next part. My husband swears that Max is part cat. He's not a he-man kind of dog, he's a quiet and sweet miniature schnauzer with impeccable manners. I sent him after the rabbits -- instinct took over and he put the run on them, stopping at the street a few houses down when I called him. (Whew). I think he was as proud of himself as I was of him. I've had other dogs that I wouldn't have thought twice if they did a little pest control, but Max, well, let's just say I was pleasantly surprised. He's now napping at my feet after a few extra treats. For him, that is. Really.

I am afraid that once everything starts to bloom I may be pulling out my hares. he he Short of a fence, I don't know what I'll do. Any ideas?

Thanks for stopping by!