How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Garden

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This is a popular and troublesome problem, but here are a few suggestions.

Take away all their food. Maybe they are not eating your garden plants but might be attracted to various berries or nuts or what not that may be laying around in the yard. If you remove their source of food, you might take away their reason for coming to your yard or garden.

A hundred years or two ago, the popular way to keep the squirrels out of gardens was to place moth balls around the perimeter of the garden. Squirrels don’t like this smell so they tend to go the other way. (at least that was the common opinion back then.)

Currently, there are still some people who still believe this, but there are many people who say moth balls are totally useless. You’ll only know by trying. It is a simple, cheap fix – if it works.

You can buy other repellants too, if you would like. Many of these are made from things from their natural predators, like foxes. Sometimes people even say human hair scattered around plants is enough to deter the squirrels from eating them.

You can put a fence around your garden. Simple chicken wire is usually sufficient. However, don’t just put it around the garden, bury some of it under the ground to to prevent them from digging under the fence also. You can also bury it around or above bulbs, too. The bulbs will grow through the wire with no problem at all.

You can buy “live traps”, trap the pests and then take them far away and release them. They are the most humane but you may unknowing trap other animals in them also.

You can place loose plastic mesh over the garden after planting it. The plants will grow through the mesh, but the squirrels won’t be able to dig through it very easily.

You can invest in motion detecter sprinklers. When a squirrel comes by and triggers the sprinkler they scamper on out of there.

Secret Gardens – Creating a Secret Garden & Making it Your Own

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Have you ever dreamed of having your own Secret Garden hideaway right in your own backyard? Your dream can easily become a reality. Once you have a little plot of land that you can claim–you just need to choose your signature style, and you’ll be on your way! Whatever your personal preference is, you can make your Secret Garden your very own.

What’s Your Style?
Do you love the indulgent elegance of Victorian style, the symmetrical perfection of an English garden, the random playfulness of an Eclectic or Cottage style, or perhaps the understated serenity of a more Modern style?

Your Personal Signature
Whatever your personal preference is, make it special by creating it with your signature style. Part of the fun is that you get to be the artist. Your secret garden style will make a unique statement because it will reflect your own personality.

Formal Style
If you’re going for a Formal or English garden look, do some research on wrought iron furniture, ornamental gates, fountains and urns for topiaries. You will want to choose evergreens that can be neatly trimmed and shaped, and then add the flower mixtures and colors you prefer. Leaf through magazines that specialize in formal gardens or Victorian themes to get ideas. Search the Internet for information and photos.

Eclectic Style
If you’re going for an Eclectic style, check out garden or gift shops that specialize in bright colors, whimsical or offbeat embellishments and unconventional combinations of garden furniture and fabrics. Choose unusual plants, contrasting flower varieties, and colors that will add to the element of surprise. Add an extra element of distinction with garden art.

Cottage or Country Style
If it’s a Cottage or Country style that you are going for, either bright colors or pastels will work depending on your preference. Consider supplementing your base plantings with sprinklings of wild flowers and butterfly-friendly plants for a carefree ambience. Add birdhouses, simple and sweet garden d

Design Your Very Own Secret Garden – 4 Steps to Create a Garden Sanctuary

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Every spring, homeowners head outside to work on their lawn and garden. Planting flowers and vegetables, mending the grass from a harsh winter, and adding personal touches like bird houses are common sights in the spring months. To stand out from your neighbors and impress your guests, consider doing something different this year by creating your own secret garden. Designing a garden sanctuary is surprisingly easy and fun! Just follow our 4-step action plan.

To make your secret garden “secret,” it is important that your outdoor space be more private from the rest of your yard. This is accomplished through a combination of hedges, bushes, or even solar fencing. Hawthorn is a popular hedge that will provide flowers and berries to attract birds, as will Alpine Currant. A solar fence will not only help set your secret garden away from the rest of your yard, but will add ambient lighting during the evening hours. Choose attractive barriers that will enclose your space and allow you to escape daily life. In order for you to enjoy your garden sanctuary, you will need a place to sit. Personal preferences differ but your options are as limitless as your creativity. Choose wrought iron benches, wicker chairs, teak lounge chairs, or any type of outdoor seating that you find comfortable. Keep in mind your sitting area should be in a location that you enjoy sitting – take a chair outside before you start your garden and experiment with your potential garden areas. Also consider using a table for board or card games. A solar umbrella can provide light during the evening while protecting you from the sun during the day. Perhaps the most important aspect of your secret garden is its atmosphere. You will want to create a special retreat where you can relax and escape the normal pressures of daily life. Ambient lighting from solar garden art – like dragonfly or hummingbird lights or garden rocks can improve the atmosphere of your area. String or solar accent lights will also add a peaceful glow to your garden once the sun sets. Choose copper solar lights to match rust colored teak furniture or solar lamp posts to match wrought iron furniture. If budget and space permits, install a fountain to add the relaxing sound of bubbling water. Finally, a path leading into your secret garden will help distinguish it as a separate place in your yard. You may use flagstones for your entrance path but could also use small shrubs or plants to line your entrance walkway. Lining your garden path with solar path lights is a great way to add safety and ambient lighting for the evening hours. Other options include using decorative garden rocks, small sculptures, or bird baths around your path to highlight your entrance.

With the right tools, your secret garden is only a weekend of careful planning away. After a stressful day at the office, a small hideaway tucked in the corner of your backyard is the perfect remedy. Relax with your children, sip an evening cocktail with your spouse, or enjoy a good book in your new garden sanctuary.