It’s Still Just Dirt, The Tillsonburg News – June 2017
by Angela Lassam
Do you have unknown overnight creatures eating your new plantings like I do? I have spent many hours labouring in my flower and vegetable garden to wake up one morning and find there has been an overnight feast. Many gardeners spend a great deal of money on plants only to have them desecrated by wildlife of some form. I have searched to find a simple, environmental and economic way to stop this from continuing. I thought that my answers to this would maybe help some of the many gardening enthusiasts, hence the following:
Rabbits which are my particular problem at this time will eat any new sprouts of most plants overnight. They do not like any plant that has a strong odor so it is advisable to incorporate herbs such as garlic, chives, oregano and lavender throughout your garden. Annuals that are strong smelling look nice and act as a deterrent like Marigold.
Sprays are available at most nurseries but can prove expensive so after some research I found some suggestions which I am going to try using. Ammonia sprayed around beds leaves a strong smell. There is a mixture of hot red pepper, garlic and dish soap which can be mixed and sprayed on plants but needs to be repeated often. If all fails and your “bunnies” are like mine you will have to put a low netting up to keep them out.
Deer will eat Hostas in an unfenced garden so the same mixes will work for them according to most of my research. Chipmunks and squirrels like to eat strawberries and small tomatoes and raccoons will raid your mature corn overnight.
Other wildlife may be munching on your garden but most do not like strong smells or bitter plants. Skunks will dig small holes in your lawn for food, primarily for the grubs which we try to eliminate. Toads will keep many insects under control. Therefore wildlife is not all bad and makes for an interesting outlook but also a challenge for gardeners.
There are many plants that are resistant to rabbits and deer. An interesting list can be found at http://www.gertens.com/learn/Animals/deer-rabbit-resistant-plants.htm.
Many thanks to all the businesses who have purchased the urn/planters under the recent venture for the 150th Anniversary and we hope to continue in the future to see more participation to improve the appearance of our town, especially to visitors.
The large planters of which there were eight last year are back with the addition of more so please take the time to admire them.
During the summer recess there are two planned events for everyone to enjoy. The first one is a Garden Tour named “Beyond the Garden Gate” – a tour in conjunction with the Station Arts Centre on July 8th from 12:30 – 4 pm featuring five gardens with three artists, Annandale House (discount to view the museum) , Tillsonburg Garden Gate where there is a 10% discount on purchases for ticket holders and Station Arts Centre where you can view an exhibit ”True North-Strong & Free” and 150 posters along with refreshments. Tickets available @ Station Arts Centre, at the gardens on the tour and Tillsonburg Garden Gate – $10 advance $12 at the gardens on the tour.
The other event will be on August 8th at Whistling Gardens in Wilsonville, a unique and very interesting venue. There will be a barbecue and entertainment – the Gentleman of Harmony from Simcoe plus a 150th Anniversary cake. Also it is the 35th Anniversary of the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society. Cost is $30 (including admission to the Gardens). For more information contact Barb Hunter @ barb.hunter@live.com.
Both events are open to anyone. If you are looking for ideas for your garden these events will certainly be of interest and a great encouragement to start gardening and maybe become a member of the Tillsonburg Horticultural Society. Hope to see you at both as it should be a great time for all.
Regular monthly meetings resume Tuesday Sept. 5th in the Seniors Centre Auditorium, Tillsonburg Community Complex. To keep up to date look at the website www.tillsonburghorticultural.ca or join us on Facebook – Tillsonburghorticultural.