Noelle (girl, brown) was spayed one month ago.
We extended a little portion of her enclosure to approach Mochi (boy, floof, neutered).
I’ve walked in 3 times this week to find them engaged in the most hilarious game of “I’m ignoring you!”
No lunging or other signs of aggression. Just extreme and pointed Ignoring of the other.
I’m sure I probably shouldn’t laugh, but it’s funny!
I posted last week about people stepping on my plants and rocks. See post here: https://www.reddit.com/r/gardening/s/fBbTy3rOFs
The more I looked at the way I had it set up, the more chaotic the area looked to me.
So I reorganized the whole thing to look more deliberate.
I put hens and chicks around the bigger rocks and took out most of the smaller ones. I added phlox and thyme to spread out between the decorative grass.
I like it better now.
I opted not to put the sign out on the fence. The toddler came by with his dad once and had a bit of a fit over the fence, but they left promptly.
I’m not completely in love with the fence, but it’s doing its job. I’m casually watching for something I like better.
I saw an article eons ago about a woman who knit her own fence. The idea has a certain whimsical appeal.
I’ll start by saying that I’m not a really great gardener. I have a physical disability that keeps me from doing as much as I want with my front garden. However, for the past 4 years, I’ve had a small water feature/mini pond in my front yard. I keep it small to stay within bylaw rules. Mine is one of 2 or possibly 3 in the larger neighbourhood area.
It started as a little barrel pond, and 3 years ago, I put in a little 75 gallon mini pond, surrounded by a rock garden. It’s powered by a solar fountain that runs a small filter pump. I add a little every year, as I’m able, and was planning replacing the preformed pond next year with a new shape since I’ll have to pull it out to rebalance the foundation (it has started sinking on one side).
I put goldfish and a frog or two in every year (they overwinter in an indoor aquarium). I live in a very family friendly neighbourhood with lots of kids. Starting early April, a few regular visitors stop by and look at the pond as it takes shape and wait for the fish to come out. The fish are a BIG hit and my neighbours kid was DELIGHTED last year when he spotted the frog.
The kids are never the problem.
It’s the adults.
They frequently let their dogs run up and drink the pond water. We live within visual distance of a public park with a well maintained water fountain that includes a pet fountain. Last year a dog ended my frog. After that, I put up a sign that said “no drinking”.
The other day, two parents came and spent ~30 minutes looking at the pond with their toddler, who was delighted with the fish. But they stomped all over my freshly planted flowers and broke all but 2 of my tulips.
They let their toddler hop on my garden rocks.
It was weird.
They came back yesterday. The kid hopped all over the rocks, stepped on my freshly planted begonias, broke 2 of my tulips, came up on my porch to smell my lilacs, poked at the flower planter on my steps, and picked a tulip from the garden beside my porch.
I don’t want to stop people from enjoying the pond. It’s very small, but I take a great deal of pride in it. Seeing their joy brings me so much joy!!
But adults should know better!
I didn’t see it until later as I was having dinner. My ring camera caught it all and I was so disappointed!
I’m contemplating taking the pond out, but it will break my heart (and my back). I can replace it with a Japanese maple or something.
I’ve made a little sign that I’m thinking of laminating and putting out by the garden.
I put a cheap dollar store fence around it. I don’t know if I like it, but I think it does the job?
I’m really disappointed that I have to, though. I’m genuinely worry the kid is going to fall into the pond or otherwise hurt himself on my property and I’ll be liable.