For much of the year Becky and I appreciate wild animals. Why, just a couple of months ago we caught a glimpse of two deer lying down on a nearby ridge looking out over a meadow. We were in awe as we observed the two ruminants just enjoying the view. And we get great joy as well watching the frisky squirrels who frolic outside our windows. Yes, “live and let live” is our attitude towards nature’s creatures as long as snow is on the ground and the earth is sleeping.
But come spring and we transform from Bambi lovers and furry squirrel fans to something else. We stop saying “Aw, isn’t that deer cute?” and “Look at those delightful squirrels.” We start sounding more like Boris Badenov whispering to Natasha Fatale:“Vee must keel Moose (deer) and Squirrel!”
This somewhat ruthless change comes over us because we like to garden. We like to put seeds in the ground and watch as sun and water causes them to grow. We enjoy seeing a tiny, delicate shoot break through the soil and develop into a colorful flower or vegetable-ladened bush. This becomes a problem because deer and squirrels are two of the primary nemeses of those of us who want to grow a garden.
I don’t blame the wild outdoor critters, really. Animals gotta do what animals do. But, I also believe that we humans should do what we have to do, as well. That’s why I was pleased to see that Becky brought home from the library “Outwitting Deer” by Bill Adler, Jr. I see from the jacket blurb that Mr. Adler has also written “Outwitting Squirrels.”
Right out wit them, I thought. This seems to be a very logical approach to the problem. Humans are the smart ones. We have larger brains. Over millennia we as a species have developed mathematics and logic. We continue to expand our knowledge of science and medicine. We create art. We have walked on the moon. We have self-driving cars and smart phones. Humans are problem-solvers, and if we set our minds to something, we can usually come up with a solution.
The book is a quick read; Becky and I tore through it much like a herd of deer tear through the emerging spring buds of our fruit trees. Essentially, the author says we can outwit deer and other garden pests by using what he calls a “three pronged attack: Avoid plants deer like; Use plants deer don’t like; Design your garden to discourage deer.”
Seems simple enough. Then again, if we totally avoid plants deer like, we won’t be growing things we like to eat and use. Adler suggests surrounding your gardens with thorny plants and plants with strong, intense aromas that deer tend to avoid. The book includes an extensive list of vegetables, fruits and herbs that deer don’t care for. However, he also admits that evidence proves there is no plant that deer won’t eat if they are hungry enough.
Adler’s ideas for mechanical means of deterring deer from entering your garden include chicken wire and fishing line. He lists “scare devices” such as fluttering metallic ribbons, flags and balloons. Other tactics are lights, netting, noisemakers and water sprinklers. And don’t forget dogs. Many testimonials to the power of dogs and their scent in keeping deer away are included in the book. Other advice includes a quote from a six-year-old on how to outwit deer: “Build a brick wall, tall and strong, so they can’t jump over.” You can insert your own build-a-wall political joke here.
This is an exciting time of the year for gardeners. Becky and I have been planning and are eager to start planting. We will try some of Adler’s suggestions. Surely we can prove we are smarter than the average deer.
