We used to live in the drier, central part of BC, but, as climate change started to become a reality, we realized we didn’t really want to live in air conditioning during the summer, then constant heating during a very cold winter. Not to mention the challenges of winter driving through the mountain highway to get to family on the BC coast.
So, we moved to our present spot of Sechelt, on the Sunshine Coast of BC. Very few homes had air conditioning. Heating was a breeze, just with one gas fireplace for the entire house. |
“Shoo!” you say, waving your arms to emphasize your point.
"What's your problem?" they seem to answer, as they calmly and methodically chomp on your favorite plants, not moving an inch.
I planted yews, knowing they’re poisonous. The deer chomped them down, and almost gave me a nod of approval with their innocent doe eyes. They love yews.
I lost sleep over it, lying in bed. I knew I could hear them. It was a herd of twelve, extra-large deer, demolishing all their most delectable treats at night, knowing there was nothing I could do about it!
I had this sense of relaxed victory in the new house. Even today no deer has ever even tried to enter the sacred garden where all the plant treasures grow.
When you are a gardener, you get used to surprises. Some are good, as you admire the growth of your pampered plants. I had my nice fence, with a nice gate built into it. Still suffering from a bit of deer paranoia, I even had a ”Please shut the gate” sign.
I was completely unprepared for the fact that bears don’t read.
A kind neighbour fixed it for me, but it’s never really been the same.
Our coast house in Sechelt has a completely fenced backyard. In the front, though it has no fence, just a large rock garden. There’s a nice porch for sitting outside. I decided to grow something extra delicious this year, to screen the porch from the strong west sun in the afternoons.
Beans were in a couple of years ago. They worked well. So well in fact, I was inspired to try something even more delicious. That year was to be the year of the kiwi fruit. I put in a special support, and a sparse vine.
Two nights after, they struck. Out of all the plants in the front, those pesky deer out for a night-time amble, managed to find my poor kiwi fruit vine. They left their paw prints, like business cards.
It didn’t recover.
My dreams of the front sunscreen have become more modest over the years. Now blue-green, tall junipers are gradually filling the space. Ever since the delicious plants left, the deer seem to have left with them.
Spring buds and a Christmas Rose (hellebores)
Here are the hellebores (Christmas Rose) just peeking out.
Thanks for your visit today and looking forward to having you back again for next week’s edition!