Squirrels: Cute and Fuzzy, or Destructive Rats in Pretty Coats

A desperate gardenerd writes in:

“Help! Squirrels are devouring the fruits (or vegetables) of my labor. My sweet little tomatoes, my succulent squash–all gone. They’re cute little animals and all, but they’re not that cute. How can I deter them?”

Alas, I hear your cries.  I’ve gone toe-to-toe on a few occasions with our well-dressed woodland friends, and my mother has shared stories of the same decimating her yard as well.  They stare defiantly at me (sideways out of one eye) as I threaten them with death, seeming to say, “bring it on.”  There are many reported techniques that work – some better than …

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Winter Solstice

Today, December 22nd, is Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere.  The shortest day and longest night of the year.  From here on out, the
days get longer until Summer Solstice in June.  What a glorious thing to look forward to.

In celebration of the solstices and equinoxes, I try to spend time out in nature, and today was no exception.  I spent the morning in my garden at Ocean View Farms.  Since the last few
days included heavy rain and wind, I was wondering what I’d find when I got there.  To my surprise, everything was still in …

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