Last summer when we were in the midst of construction, we didn’t see rabbits very often on the farm. Maybe the construction scared them off or we disrupted their nest areas or something. There was one rabbit that we saw frequently that seemed to have a goiter on his neck; I haven’t seen him around this year.
This year we seem to be overrun with rabbits. They’re cute but they’re everywhere. I don’t mind that they are everywhere, until they are in my garden.
You would think it would be impossible that they are in my garden. My garden fence is built like Fort Knox. It’s six feet tall with an extra bib of fencing at the bottom that is imbedded in the dirt to keep out the likes of ground hogs or anything else that might want to burrow in. My garden is locked down tight, secure and impenetrable.
But then my Swiss Chard went missing – the whole row – gone. And then all the bottom leaves on my Brussel Sprouts vanished. Followed by the disappearing act of two rows of Beets that came up one day and were gone the next. I was accusing the birds, or bugs or a rare fungus or mold issue that must be attacking my plants in my impenetrable garden.
Until I saw a baby bunny hop right through the 2” x 3” square of the fence. Yep, hopped right in and headed for the spinach. I headed in after it and shooed it out the other side of the garden – right through the fence on the other side of the garden.
The next day Chris wrapped the entire garden in sturdy bird netting. Now it is impenetrable.
I replanted the beets, gave up on the Swiss Chard and I’m waiting to see if the Brussel Sprouts recover.
Pesky rabbits.
No Rhyme or Reason Farm 
Now that you’re saying that, I remember one summer my dad almost running over a nest of rabbits with the lawnmower. We saved them and had them for awhile in a box and then when they got bigger, had a fence of chicken wire outside. Well, guess what? They can squeeze through chicken wire! Granted, they were young and not full grown but it’s amazing what they can get through!
Good luck and my condolences on your crop!
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After reading your article in the Inquirer I had to go to your website. I read every blog and smiled and grimaced along with you as you did what looked like a house mission impossible. I applaud your determination, patience and vision to breathe new life into your now stunning farm. I am always amazed that when help is needed for a huge project someone shows up with an extra pair of hands, an idea or just words of encouragement. In 1996, I bought 1920’s out building that was part of an old farmhouse (now gone) which once housed chickens and such. Each person who lived here added something to make it a house. I too found lots of glass and shells in a corner of my backyard. My elderly neighbor explained that there was no trash pick-up long ago, so homeowners designated a spot in the yard to dump the stuff you couldn’t compost.
I am so happy for you and your family that you can now enjoy your Dream Farm. Thank-you for sharing your story and pictures with all of us old house lovers!
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Thanks! It has been an adventure, and we’ve found all sorts of things around here. It certainly keeps in interesting.
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Rabbits are a greedy bunch. Adorable but greedy. Congratulations cousin. Lizann
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Reminds me of Mr. Macgregor’s garden! I hope the netting is enough to dissuade Peter. Best of luck!
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