I am fortunate to live in an area where wildlife is encouraged through the covenants. No fences other than split-rail, less than 4 feet tall, and invisible fences are allowed. This permits the wildlife, including deer, foxes, coyotes, bear, and others to move freely through the area of about 8000 people. How lucky is that! We are also encouraged to leave much of the native scrub oaks, pines, grasses etc. That’s why we moved here, and so do others. I do encourage, cajole, twist elbows, etc. though when it comes to fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and the like. And don’t even get me started on watering the grass. We live in the mountain/high desert, and receive less than 20 inches of rain a year. So, when talking to clients, neighbors, friends I teach them about replacing their lawns with waterwise alternatives. Most listen, except for bugs. Like Carol said above, there are just some people who think all bugs are bad, and all bug sprays are good. That is my biggest educational goal – to convince people that 94% of insects are either beneficial or benign, and that snakes in the garden are great.

Kathy
Kathy Green´s last blog ..Frosting the Garden