Gophers have been doing a number on me!

Big time!

I've lost a medium sized aloe (at least I can reroot that). Now I've lost a Calliandra surinamensis! Right through a 1-inch trunk just below soil line.

They pop up, I'll get rid of them, then they pop up somewhere else a few months later. A never ending battle. Some of these plants I'm going to start putting in wire baskets. To top it off, the ground squirrels and bunnies are playing havoc too.

Late last summer the canyon below me was cleared of vegetation in preparation for home lots being developed. Since then it seems they've all come up on my yard. My property is the only one with mature Pepper tress and extensive vegetation around.

I wish my fat & lazy dogs would go down to the lower yard once in a while and scare some of the stuff off. All they do is lay there and give me a "Peel me a grape look".

-Ron-

Hi Ron.... I know just how you feel. I put in a new bed this spring, and I think I've lost somewhere between $50-60 worth of plants. I come home from work and take my "garden walk" to wind down. But lately as I meander through the garden, it ends up causing me more stress!! I've tried all the usual things to deter them, but they seem to be surviving.... and my plants NOT!

And as far as squirrels.... this afternoon I did a squirrel relocation. (They make havoc with my backyard bird feeders.) I used a Havahart trap, caught one and took it to a lovely place - far away. :o} I think there are at least two more to trap. I guess it's better than killing them. Gophers, on the other hand, I think I could kill!!! Good luck with your dilemma, and let me know if you find anything that works!

BTW, where is Spring Valley? I'm in Eureka, on the north coast. We are having a textbook perfect day today....

Good luck, Sanna

Think gopher baskets, your troubles will be mostly over. Squirrels are another story. I just run them off when they get too close.

I have seen more squirrels and rats this year than I have in a long time. Rain = food=critters. I have a small canyon with water behind me so they have someplace to hide while using my veggie garden as the grocery store Grrrrrr.

I have huge lot of gophers and rats so use the traps with baits....
They like eat the succulents, ate some of mums flowers and my squashes roots, too!




This message was edited Jul 10, 2005 8:46 AM