We have one fence for keeping things in – and three fences for keeping things out.  The fence for keeping things in works well.  The fences for keeping things out – not so much.  Between deer, rabbits, ground hogs and birds – my gardens seem to be fair game for anything roaming through the property.  “Oh look!” they exclaim.  “There’s a fenced in garden.  Let’s go have dinner there tonight.”  And they do.

But not next year.  We’ve rabbit proofed our six foot tall fence with chicken wire around the base of it to keep the rabbits out. And we’re stringing fishing line across the top of it to keep the birds out.  We’re putting up another six-foot tall fence to protect my fruit trees, raspberry bushes, blueberry bushes and strawberry plants – with enough room left over to plant potatoes and squash and whatever else strikes my fancy when the spring seed catalogs come out.  And we’re putting up a picket fence where my “pumpkin patch” will reside.

Now everyone just needs to follow the rules.  If you’re supposed to be inside a fence (like Pono), then stay in.  If you’re supposed to be outside the fence, then stay out.  I’m hoping for a bumper crop next year.