Saving a Cupertino garden from a rabbit invasion

Pricey JOAN: We’ve been noticing a darling minor cottontail rabbit perusing our lawn in the past 12 months in an urban tract community. But now I suspect it was not the very same animal l noticed each time.

Without a pet to chase them absent, we are noticing small mounds of freshly dug filth — and gophers are not the culprits. A deterrent of Epsom salts is not executing a great deal far more than fertilizing crops.

This could be the commencing of the conclusion for our garden and in all probability other plants. Any ideas ahead of I turn into Elmer Fudd?

Tim Mitchell, Cupertino

Dear TIM: I just can’t ensure you will not take on some Fudd features, but listed here are some things to try before you start out procuring for an ushanka, Elmer’s trademark cap.

Actual physical limitations. The most simple, if not the most interesting, way of preserving any undesired creature out of your yard and yard is fencing and protective cages. Fortunately, you really do not have to build tall walls with concertina wire to hold rabbits out.

Hen wire, with openings no bigger than 1 inch, is a perfectly appropriate barrier for maintaining the bunnies at bay. You will, nonetheless, need to have to bury the fencing about 6 inches underneath ground to halt burrowing.

You will also need a specific volume of vigilance to make confident the fence remains intact and be certain the rabbits aren’t locating a way in. Contemplate it a pastime.

Use vegetation are deterrents. The common rabbit’s diet regime is different and sturdy, but there are particular plants they never treatment for. Vegetation with strong odors or preferences are in the dislike column.

Escalating these crops in pots or in the ground along the perimeter of your yard and backyard garden can assistance discourage the rabbits from plundering. These plants contain basil, garlic, rhubarb, sizzling peppers, spicy basil and mint, the latter of which is very best grown in pots.

If you want to fill your backyard with crops that rabbits aren’t as very likely to take in, expand sweet alyssum, lantana, marigold, geranium, wax begonia, vinca, snapdragon, sunflower, salvia, milkweed, catmint, clematis, coral berry, juniper, lilac, Rose of Sharon and spirea.

Take out nesting spots. Consider a glimpse all-around your yard for achievable nesting places and eliminate them. Use treatment at this time of 12 months that you really don’t disturb active nests — all those ought to be remaining by itself and dealt with later on. Rabbits’ beloved places are in tall grass and overgrown places.

Scarecrows. The use of scare strategies really do not generally deliver final results, but they are well worth a check out. Rubber snakes and owl statues may well do the job, but you will will need to move them close to to maintain up the illusion. Tying reflective strips to fencing or a piece of twine also might work.

Overlook the mothballs

A short while ago, Debi, from Aptos, wrote to explain to me that it is unlawful to use mothballs in landscaping, and she’s absolutely accurate.