Rabbits In Your Garden

A rabbit, like any other creature, is no match for a good fence. You'll have to make it a few feet high so the potential invader can't jump over it, and remember that rabbits can dig, so sink the fence a few inches into the soil. A fence is a simple, no-nonsense way to keep all wild creatures (except birds) out of your vegetable patch.

If you don't want a fence obscuring your view, chicken wire can do the same job. You'll still have to sink it into the ground however to stop the naughty bunnies going underneath.

The main reason gardeners don't like to fence off their vegetables is that it doesn't look very nice. Your garden becomes a miniature prison, and many people would prefer a less totalitarian method of rabbit-control.

Gardeners have tried lots of methods over the years to get rid of garden pests, so here's a small collection of tricks that have been sworn to work.

Child's Windmill

Animals have shown a great dislike to buzzing noises or vibrations in the ground - they just disturb the mood and make your garden an unwelcoming place. Instead of splashing out at your garden centre, spend a pound or two on a child's toy windmill. It has the same effect of creating a disturbance but at a fraction of the cost of an electronic device.

Shiny Cds

Hanging CDs on bits of string strategically around your garden is thought to keep away all sorts of creatures. The movement and reflection from the shiny surface gives the impression of an occupied space, and rabbits might be scared into staying away.

Toy Cat

A predator in your garden makes it a dangerous place for our hungry bunnies. Some gardeners say that a life-size model cat, complete with glass eyes that reflect in the dark, can put off lots of animals that would otherwise cross your lawn.

If you don't want a fence around your garden, and all those fussy devices aren't for you, there are more natural methods that are said to work.

Spice Is not Nice

Rabbits are not huge fans of spicy food, so protect your veggies with a chilli powder perimeter. I don't suggest you sprinkle it on your plants (spicy salad, anyone??), but shake a little on your surroundingturf to make a barrier the bunnies will be loathe to cross.

They Don't Like Vinegar Either

Some say that rabbits are also the enemies of vinegar, so shake a little around your plants and see what happens. Of course, you may have to reapply when it rains, and who knows what repeated vinegar applications might do to your soil!

If all else fails - rabbits are lovely in a stew. Here are a couple of rabbit recipes if you manage to catch one of your garden invaders.

Devilled Rabbit

* I rabbit washed in water with a little vinegar then diced
* 4 oz fat bacon, finely chopped
* I large onion finely chopped
* 8 oz mixed carrots, leeks and turnips, diced
* 5 tbsp flour
* 1/4 Pt milk
* 1 pt water
* 1 tsp Worcester sauce
* 1 tsp curry powder
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp pepper
* garnish- finely chopped parsley

Method :

Sauté the bacon in a large saucepan with the onion, carrots, turnips, rabbit, curry powder and Worcester sauce for 2 or 3 minutes. Add the water and bring to the boil. Season with salt and pepper and reduce the heat to low. Simmer, covered, until the rabbit is tender about 1 1/2 hours. Blend the milk and flour in a small bowl, stirring continuously, and cook until the sauce is smooth and thick. Add more salt and pepper if necessary, and serve at once, garnishing with parsley.

Source: Graig Farm

Rabbit Casserole

110g/4oz rabbit, diced
85g/3oz seasoned plain flour
2tbsp olive oil
2tsp fresh thyme leaves
30ml/1fl oz white wine
55ml/2fl oz double cream
290ml/½ pint vegetable stock
1 orange, zested
1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Heat the oil in a large pan
Dip the rabbit in the seasoned flour
Add the rabbit to the hot oil and sauté until browned
Add the thyme leaves
Pour in the wine, cream and stock and stir
Add the orange zest
Simmer casserole for 12-15 minute
Remove casserole from hob and pour into a large dish
Top with chives and serve

Source: Haddon Stuff