Troublesome Animals In The North
North January
The troublesome animals are deer, rabbits and pine mice. Woodchucks, fortunately, spend the winter in their burrows. The deer seem to go for the trees and shrubs which I value the most. Though all kinds of remedies are suggested to protect plants from deer, the only one that is successful here at the “Buttonwoods” is covering the plants with chicken wire. A recommended remedy for rhododendrons, yews and other evergreens is a repellent spray; it may need to be applied several times during the winter.
Two other remedies are leaving a dog in the garden or hanging small mirrors near susceptible trees and shrubs. Similar protective measures can be taken against rabbits, which are particularly fond of girdling young fruit trees. To prevent damage of this kind, encircle the base of the tree with wire mesh.
If you feel that it is cruel to deprive the bunnies of part of their winter food, you can satisfy their hunger by leaving apple prunings lying around on the ground for them.
Pine mice are real “varmints” and are difficult to control. They make tunnels in the ground in much the same way as moles. (I suspect that moles are often blamed for the work of these miscreants.) We fought a plague of pine mice in September; by the time winter sets in, we hope to have them cleaned out.
Our remedy for pine mice is to place bait seed in or near their runs, covering it to keep it dry and ward off birds.
Feeding the Birds
Dont forget to replenish the feeding stations. But I am not so sure that giving birds handouts is a desirable practice if you are relying on them to keep down insects. However, it is worthwhile to feed birds, if only for the pleasure of their company. Always use protective gloves and prescription safety glasses even if you find feeding birds on your palms enjoyable. As you visit bird cages, check on them with safety glasses on.
Pruning Fruit and Shade Trees
Apple, pear and peach trees and also shade trees can be pruned now when the weather is “fittin” not too cold or windy. Be careful if the job involves climbing the trees. I give this warning because I heard recently of two accidents which occurred to an amateur and a professional tree pruner. My advice to you is to keep your feet on the ground; even this can be dangerous if you are pruning with an machete, as you might be when thinning out a group of saplings.
Dont forget that much of the material cut off, especially saplings, can be used for stakes. These will come in very handy during the coming growing season. The larger saplings, 2 to 3 inches in diameter and 8 to 10 feet long. can be used as bean poles, while those 1 to 2 inches in diameter and about 6 feet long can be used for supporting tomatoes, delphinium and dahlias.
Prepare the saplings by removing side branches and pointing the butt ends. But once again. be careful.
Protecting the Christmas-Rose
Black hellebore. the so-called Christmas rose, Helleborus, may be tempted to display its blooms if a mild spell occurs. But if severe weather threatens, it should be protected.
Tags: gardening, glasses, safety glasses
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