It always amazes me when I talk with other gardeners, who spend a great deal of time trying to keep all types of wild animals out of their yards. Do not get me wrong – no gardener is ever happy about deer chowing down on their roses or bunnies helping themselves to a salad from the vegetable garden. I do not want the squirrels and chipmunks munching on my spring bulbs, and I would rather the birds stay out of my strawberries. It stands to reason that I would not be too thrilled to see a black bear looking in my backdoor, as happened to one of my neighbors. However, after saying all of that, I must admit that I enjoy much of the wildlife that visits. In fact, I have created areas in my yard that actually encourages all types of wildlife to visit my yard. I have learned that it is much easier, less stressful, and a whole lot more fun to live and coexist with nature than to constantly battle nature. I have also noticed that my various gardens are even better for it.
First, there are the birds. My husband and I have numerous feeding areas around our yard, as well as, birdbaths. Regular visitors include: blue jays, cardinals, chickadees, various species of woodpeckers, titmice, robins, brown thrashers, all types of finches and sparrows, and more. We also have annual visitors, such as, red-winged blackbirds, grosbeaks, and indigo buntings. There are so many species of birds which visit us that I am surprised that the National Audubon Society has not set up a bird watching station in our yard. All of these birds help to keep down the harmful insect population. Many of the birds that you see hopping around on the ground are eating grubs, which you may not want in your yard. The robins, also, while they are gathering earthworms for food, are actually causing the earthworms to be more active, which is good for your yard and gardens. In addition, these same robins, as well as other birds, can help keep such gardens as those in the shade moist; if you are wise enough to place a birdbath in the middle of the garden. The splashing of the bathing birds gives moisture-loving plants, such as ferns, exactly what they crave.
Wild rabbits can make the vegetable and/or herb gardener nuts! I grow both vegetables and herbs and have never had any problem with the bunnies. First, I created a brush pile at the far end of our property, well away from vegetables, herbs, and any tempting flora. Bunnies, as well as some species of birds, like to make their homes in brush piles. Second, I make sure that their favorite foods; e.g., clover, are near the same location as their homes. [ See: Creating a garden for wild rabbits.] In this way, I am able to fairly well control where the wild rabbits stay. While rabbits really do not do anything to improve your garden, they can improve the gardening experience. After a long day of gardening, my husband and I enjoy sitting outside at dusk and watching the bunnies come out to eat and play. Gardening should not always be about just hard work. It is also nice to enjoy the benefits of your labor and what nature has to offer.
I hear more gardeners complain about squirrels and chipmunks than any other of the creatures that wander into the yard. The complaints range from the squirrels getting into the bird feeders to their stealing spring bulbs as fast as they are planted. There are several easy ways, however, to learn to peacefully coexist with squirrels and chipmunks. First, you need to understand that these critters need to eat, too. We have found that the squirrels really do not eat all the food out of the bird feeders and that there is always plenty of food for the birds, as well. In addition, many of the birds have no qualms about sharing or even running off the squirrels if need be. It is also rather humorous to watch the squirrels hang upside down from a limb or the top of the feeder in order to get at the food. The chipmunks always stay on the ground, so their getting into the feeders is not an issue. However, squirrels and chipmunks can and will go for your bulbs. I sprinkle cayenne pepper on the bulbs or place dog or human hair around the areas from which I want to keep the squirrels and chipmunks away. [For additional natural methods to repel animals, see Keeping Unwanted Critters Out of Your Garden. ] Of course, as far as I know, squirrels and chipmunks do not do anything to benefit your garden, like the birds do. However, I have found that they are great for comic relief. Watching their antics on bird feeders or on the ground always manages to make me laugh. I have also found out that my elderly neighbors enjoy watching them, too. Laughter is always a good thing.
While you might not want the deer or bears in your garden, you could easily decide that many of the other creatures; i.e., birds, rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks, are not so bad to have around. In fact, you might discover that they do a lot more good than harm and also can bring you a lot of joy. In addition, I have found that it is much more beneficial to try to be at one with nature rather than at odds with it.
