In search of garden-variety courtesy

Years ago, I saw a rabbit among my flowers, came in the house and said to my husband, “There's the most adorable little bunny in my garden. It's the cutest thing.”

The next morning, my petunias were a patch of naked stems. I called that bunny some terrible names, which I cannot print in this newspaper.

Once, I planted hostas around a cherry tree in the yard. A family of deer lives in our neighborhood. They must have been partying and got the munchies while passing by. As delectable as my hostas were, the same plants in nearby yards were untouched. Go figure.  

Then there was the hummingbird feeder. Is there anything cuter than a hummingbird? Unfortunately, I never saw one. But red hummingbird syrup did drip all over the deck, luring a squadron of ants.

A regular bird feeder seemed a good alternative, placed within view of a kitchen window. A guidebook promised that titmice, chickadees and jays would love it. Instead, I glanced out to see a Cirque du Soleil squirrel hanging acrobatically upside down on the feeder, gobbling seed while nearby birds went hungry.

You might argue that rabbits, deer, ants and squirrels deserve to eat, too. But must they do it on my dime?

Nurseries offer plenty of suggestions for keeping “pests” out of the garden. Some bird feeders even claim to be squirrel-proof, but they look like prisons. I don't really want a birdie Gitmo in the yard.

So, how do you keep certain creatures out of your outdoor space? I saw a cartoon the other day where a sign proclaimed, “Sheep Keep Out. This Means Ewe!” If only animals could read.

I'm sure you optimistic types are pretty happy that summer is here. I would be excited too, if only Mother Nature didn't get in the way of enjoying Mother Nature.