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.
