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In time for Easter: Rabbit problems
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Posted by rachel_z6 7 (My Page) on Thu, Mar 20, 08 at 1:11
| I have a client with a large, open estate who is frequently visited by deer and bunnies. the rabbits do the most damage, particularly with the annuals. This client LOVES annuals, so I'm looking for your experience with things you've seen rabbits leave alone, and things they'll most surely eat (obv., kale, pansies, impatiens) so I don't waste her money. I know given a strong enough hunger, both deer and rabbits will eat anything, but I'd like to avoid planting a buffet that will keep them coming back for more. Thanks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: In time for Easter: Rabbit problems
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| Your best bet would be to put up an almost invisible netting over metal supports. That's what the best landscaper in town does around here. From two feet away, you can't even see the net. |
RE: In time for Easter: Rabbit problems
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| For deer, I use the netting as mentioned above in certain areas and Liquid Fence in others. The herds of deer here don't bother with annuals, much preferring selected expensive perennials. I know the bunnies will occasionally nibble Dianthus Chinensis and pansies in my yard; however, I've personally never know them to go for impatiens, petunias, lisianthis, verbena hybrids, nasturtiums, zinnias, wax begonias,, tuberous begonias, alyssum, geraniums, cosmos, salvia, statice, portulaca, ageratum, snapdragons, summer dahlias, California poppies, osteospermum, or lobelia. Without any early intervention (chicken wire cages - which also disappear into the foliage), rabbits would save their appetite for the growth tips on my lilies and prized pink baby's breath. |
RE: In time for Easter: Rabbit problems
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- Posted by bboy z8 WA USA (My Page) on
Sat, Mar 22, 08 at 0:38
| Large, open estate sounds like a great place for dogs. With a fence around the perimeter. |
RE: In time for Easter: Rabbit problems
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| heh - they do have a dog, but this is a vacation home so the dog is not always there and the neighbour's dog will only visit when there's another dog to play with, not just to chase off rabbits. thanks for your plant list, duluth. reminds me they didn't eat the angelonia last year. most of the annual beds are along pathways so the homeowner might not go for netting, chicken-wire or anything visible, but I think I can convince her to let me visit more often to spray liquid fence. I am going to try Pharm Solutions Deer Pharm this year for clients who have problems with deer eating roses (similar stuff to liquid fence, but has seaweed in it too), but they said they aren't sure it will deter rabbits. |
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