Friday, August 17, 2012

Do Fence Me In

Country living has its charms.  Deer are sweet to behold wandering down from the woods, coming to nibble on branches and grass in the yard.  Not so sweet to see when they are grazing at the "salad bar" laid out in the garden.  Hence, the need for fencing.  En garde, critters!  We're going to stick it to you.


The garden was planted by Pierre.  The fence was hand hewn by Pierre.  The plants have been coaxed and encouraged and watered by Pierre.  The deer were lectured by Pierre.  The plants mostly listened and responded in a cooperative manner by growing edible bits.  The deer listened but clearly did not understand. Security was breeched!  Hoof prints were found!  Leaves and veggies had been nibbled!  Some recent reinforcement seems to have largely discouraged further entry by the four-leggeds.  (And, yes, there is actually a gate but it has been moved aside so we could go pick a few veggies for supper).



This is how the fence was begun, back at the end of June when it first became clear that the deer were anxiously awaiting the dinner bell.  Pierre gathered the sticks, mostly from deadfall in the woods out back and put it together all on his own.  No help whatsoever from me, other than offering smiling encouragement.



It's perhaps not quite up to the standards of the garden walls at Fortress Louisbourg (a replica of the French fort originally built in 1713 in Cape Breton NS)  but I think it's pretty impressive in its rustic authenticity.  And it's doing a pretty good job of discouraging all but the smallest of deer, who can manage to squeeze between or under the bars...but they'll be getting big soon, especially if they keep on nibbling the peas and beans.



Linking up with Rural Thursday
over at Nancy's A Rural Journal

22 comments:

  1. Pierre's fence is beautiful,a work of art! I'd love to have one even though I don't actually need it. Hope you are enjoying the luscious veggies!

    Happy weekend,
    Ruby

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    1. Ruby,
      I know Pierre will revel in your praise. He can now indulge his artistic side by referring to his fence as an art installation. We had some tasty potatoes tonight, freshly dug from within the garden walls in fact.

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  2. I say BRAVO!!!!! to Pierre for that work of art, and BOO to Bambi & kin for nibbling his garden when they have the whole huge dark forest next door... Love the pitchfork stuck in the foreground!!! Did you do that for the photo, Lynn, or is that a permanent installation? (BTW, In New Mexico this kind of fence is called a "coyote fence.")

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    1. jann,
      The pitchfork was there! It's not a permanent installation, but I think the fence may be...if it withstands the winter. We have coyotes in the area as well, but they're not interested in eating our veggies. Although I suspect they got our cat. Pierre is doffing his farmer's hat to you, in appreciation of your "bravo!!!!".

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  3. The garden with its rustic fence is beautiful!

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    1. Pat,
      It is rather special, isn't it! It looks like something from a different time.

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  4. I see a lot of work went into this fence. Great idea! Just plain ole enJOYed your pictures.

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    1. Joy,
      Well I just plain ole love the fact you stopped by and took the time to leave such a friendly comment! You're sure right about all the work that went into this fence; it was a real labour of love.

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  5. I love the Garden Fort! :) Nice work. In the US we build stockade fences to keep the neighbors out! :) Now I want to see you in your pinafore apron and cap, and Pierre in period dress tending the greens! LOL Do you get raccoons and rabbits?

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    1. Mystic,
      Yes, isn't it just exactly like a fort? I got that exact feeling when I first saw it. A stockade...just the word I couldn't find to describe it. Would Pierre in his denim overalls suffice rather than seeing him in period dress? We hear raccoons chattering and screeching away at each other from time to time and occasionally waddling across the road but they don't seem interested in the garden. Rabbits, not so much, though our little cat brought back a few bunny remains a couple of times. Maybe that discouraged them.

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  6. Most what I miss is rain, forest and earth and its smell. Thank you for the memories. Please have you all a wonderful weekend.

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    1. Robert,
      Yes, I understand that Athens probably doesn't have much to offer in the way of forest and earth, or even rain. I am glad if I have stirred happy memories for you and hope that they have refreshed your spirit in some way.

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  7. The first image is lovely. How talented is Pierre? :)

    Thank you so much for sharing at Rural Thursdays this week. xo

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    1. Nancy,
      I'm glad you appreciate the special little glow I added to the first picture. How talented is Pierre?--well, he can cook, too!
      Seeing as I do actually live in a pretty rural setting (views of fields with cows across the road might be some indication), I was glad to finally getting around to participating in Rural Thursday. Thanks for hosting it.

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  8. ah but with this post Pierre's work gained a new dimension, being culturally (visually and fictionally, through your wonderful text) represented and thus being known to so many people across the world - i wouldn't say that this is no contribution at all, except the smiling encouragement, from your part :-)

    (did you get my mail???)

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    1. Roxana,
      My goodness, a world famous stick fence! There'll be no living with Pierre now. I should have considered that before I went bragging all over my blog about it. Oh, but as you point out, as it was through my efforts that it has gained such notoriety, perhaps he should be thanking me. Yes, I'll definitely be asking for 15% of all the fame and glory that he derives from this magnificent stick art installation.

      Your mail to me? I imagine you must mean e-mail? About Berlin and addresses and where to send an art card and such? That is the only mail I've received from you. Mail from me is winging its way to Romania...perhaps even arrived by now? Time is even harder to keep track of in summer, I find. Or perhaps it's just speeding out of control as I grow older.

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  9. Oh excellent work, Pierre. It looks fantastic.

    Oh and I visited Louisbourg, once. I remember it fondly.

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    1. Hilary,
      I will pass on your praise to Pierre. He will be pleased.

      I was really impressed with Louisbourg, too. It's so well "done" isn't it. So rich in atmosphere.

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  10. Thank you all for your encouraging comments & feedback.

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  11. yes, you should ask for that! :-)

    (and thank you so much, i can't wait!!!!!!!)

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    1. Roxana,
      What fun to send mail to Romania! Will have to do it again some time.

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