As a community of petunias, we are vibrant, sun-loving annuals that bring brilliant color to gardens. Unfortunately, our tender foliage and sweet, trumpet-shaped flowers are also a delectable treat for foraging squirrels and rabbits. While we cannot flee, we have observed which of our gardener's strategies are most effective in creating a safe environment for us to thrive. Here is a detailed defense plan from our perspective.
The first line of defense is thoughtful garden design. We implore you to plant us in elevated containers, hanging baskets, or window boxes that are difficult for ground-dwelling rabbits to access and require significant acrobatics from squirrels. Furthermore, interplanting us with species that these animals find unpalatable is a highly effective and natural deterrent. Excellent companions for us include strong-scented herbs like lavender, rosemary, oregano, and mint. The pungent aromas from their essential oils mask our appealing scent and confuse or repel hungry visitors. Ornamental plants like marigolds, snapdragons, and alyssum also serve as great protective neighbors.
Physical barriers are the most reliable method to protect us. For rabbits, a simple chicken wire fence installed around the garden bed, buried at least 6 inches deep and standing 2 feet high, is remarkably effective. For squirrels, who are agile climbers and jumpers, a more comprehensive approach is needed. Covering the soil around our base with a layer of sharp-edged mulch, such as crushed gravel or holly leaves, creates an uncomfortable surface that deters digging and loitering. You can also lay sheets of chicken wire directly on the soil (cutting holes for our stems to grow through) to prevent squirrels from digging up our roots or burying their treasures.
When barriers are not fully practical, repellents can be a useful tool. We recommend using natural, non-toxic formulas that will not harm us, your pets, or the local wildlife. Spraying a mixture of water, cayenne pepper, and a drop of natural dish soap on the soil and leaves around us creates a spicy taste that animals will find unpleasant. Commercial repellents that use ingredients like putrescent egg solids or garlic oil also work by mimicking the scent of predator urine or creating an offensive odor. It is crucial to reapply these sprays frequently, especially after rain or watering, to maintain their potency.
A strategy of distraction can sometimes be the most peaceful solution. By providing a more appealing food source away from us, you can encourage squirrels and rabbits to dine elsewhere. Placing a dedicated squirrel feeder filled with corn or nuts at the far end of the yard can successfully divert their attention. Similarly, leaving out a patch of clover or lettuce for rabbits can satisfy their hunger and keep them from viewing your flower garden as their primary salad bar. This method acknowledges their need to forage while strategically directing it away from your prized petunias.
