HomeMy WebLinkAboutM Staples.PDFI am dressed in black because I am in mourning for my gardens which were
destroyed by a g;ang of deer.
Over the last 30 years I have spent hours creating pleasing gardens on the property
that I love. It to.ktime, energy, and money, and was the joy of my life. I made
gardens in frontlwhich helped to enhance the neighborhood...and therefore
property values on our charming street. I created gardens in back for our ownenjoyment.
All was well until about 15 years ago when the deer herd started to explode. Myhusband and I started a Deer study group. A survey showed that the majority ofresidents wanted something done to curb the deer population, but Village Officialswere not prepan:d at that time to face the threatened law suits.
So".I decided to fence in my backyard to save at least apartof our gardens. TheVillage Engineer said I could carry out my plan if I got lhe OK frori the neighborsinvolved. I did. The front yard was left unienced for esthetic reasons.
There' I replanted Taxus with Boxwood, Pieris, and Spruce. The only ones that
the deer won't eaf..Thus far! Out are Holly, Arborvitae, Hemlock, Leucothoe,
Mountain Laurel, and even Geraniums. ! !! ! This is a short list. Did mother Naturereally intend us tro limit our plant choices , BUT.... let deer roam and destr oy atwill???
I was very unhappy when I was forced to fence in my pride and Joy, 30 yr old
Rhododendron grove out front because the deer started eating them.
BUT nothing courld compare with the devastation that occurred a few weeks
ago.
A Garden gate wm left open by mistake. It took 30 hours for NINE deer to
destroy 30 years of gardening. It will cost at least $1,000 to replace what was lost.
I have never seen or heard of a plant that has destroyed deer, yet we protect deerrather than thinkirng about what the world would be like without plants. Of course,
there would be a tflew Geriatric Trees for our enjoyrnent, if that is what residents
want. I have seen a landscape just like that. It is not preffy!
PLEASE. Approarch this problem, which is not only sickening to me,but to theenvironment andto the natural beauty of Cayuga Heights,.... bt culling the deerand allowing sensil"ble fencing.
\,\ao.d $^pt*s
Qo(
Thank you