Gardening with Wildlife

Topics

The Other Monarchs on our Hill

Nov 11, 2017

In early October, I’m monitoring larvae in all stages on the narrow-leaf milkweed that grows in several large stands on my property. But Monarchs are not the only regal presence on my hillside; it’s the rutting season and a number of very handsome bucks have made...

Living with Deer, Part 3

Oct 1, 2016

It’s a beautiful thing to watch the deer, a number of the does heavily pregnant, browsing at the meadow’s edge, and not at all disturbed by the rainfall. They’re eating the clovers and vetches in the grasslands, taking the leaves from the soap lilies and blue dicks,...

Planting Natives in Deer Country

Sep 14, 2016

Now that fall is soon upon us, and hopefully the rainy season as well, the time is perfect to plant California natives. Many gardeners have issues and great frustration with the deer interfering with their planting plans. I happen to love and respect these...

Living with Deer, Part 2

Dec 22, 2015

A Paradise ruled by Queen Calafia Two major human caused environmental disasters drastically changed the natural world of a land that was long ago described as a mythical island; a terrestrial paradise ruled by a statuesque and beautiful queen named Calafia. The first...

Living with Deer, Part 1

Sep 12, 2015

For many Californians throughout the state, deer are the largest free-living animals they will commonly encounter; and for anyone with an affinity for the natural world, it’s an impressive thing to realize that these animals are self-sustaining, leading their own...