Baxter the Sneezing squirrel
I moved to Grants Pass in February of 2004 with no knowledge of gardening in Southern Oregon. My property was a perfect example of native plants, but the designer in us was that Carolyn and I wanted more color and fewer thorns to adorn our property. So, being the enthusiastic gardener that I am, the first thing I did was go to a nursery to look at tulips and daffodils. They had burlap bags containing 100 bulbs at a very reasonable price. The sales person said one bag would cover the area I needed so naturally I felt two was better than one and bought three bags. Next I bought twice as much bone meal as he suggested. I dutifully planted bulbs with bone meal the next day until I could plant no more. Two days later to my surprise about fifty bulbs were lying all over my lawn. My first thought was, what was wrong with the people that live in this neighborhood that they would dig up all my bulbs as a joke.
Touring my yard for answers, I also found about 50 newly planted pots in various locations that were toppled and tossed around. A freshly stashed peanut had replaced the plant! I’m starting to have a good idea as to whom or what was sabotaging all my hard work. A new challenge came when I installed 50 feet of rain gutters on a trellis to grow strawberries only to find soil removed along with anything that I planted and finding more peanuts. Ah ha! Adorable/evil squirrels were the culprits who were burying peanuts in the soft fresh soil. Two days later I spot Baxter, the neighborhood squirrel, in the gutters with a peanut from my neighbor’s feeder in his mouth. He immediately sees me, smiles, and attempts to bury his peanut. Using various methods, some legal some not, Baxter and I came to an agreement who owned the pots. However, the squirrels refused to negotiate who owned the gutters.
Now what to do: several gardeners suggested using a product that contains cayenne pepper. It was expensive but I was determined to win this battle so I sprinkled the powder liberally over the strawberries. Here comes Baxter. After burying his nose into the gutter soil he jumps up, grabs his nose with his two front paws and begins to sneeze violently for about 30 seconds. He repeated this ritual at least five times. Just when I’m feeling victorious he looked at me, and smiled as only a squirrel can do, then buried his peanut. Just to aggravate me, he walked away slowly as arrogantly as possible.
Touring my yard for answers, I also found about 50 newly planted pots in various locations that were toppled and tossed around. A freshly stashed peanut had replaced the plant! I’m starting to have a good idea as to whom or what was sabotaging all my hard work. A new challenge came when I installed 50 feet of rain gutters on a trellis to grow strawberries only to find soil removed along with anything that I planted and finding more peanuts. Ah ha! Adorable/evil squirrels were the culprits who were burying peanuts in the soft fresh soil. Two days later I spot Baxter, the neighborhood squirrel, in the gutters with a peanut from my neighbor’s feeder in his mouth. He immediately sees me, smiles, and attempts to bury his peanut. Using various methods, some legal some not, Baxter and I came to an agreement who owned the pots. However, the squirrels refused to negotiate who owned the gutters.
Now what to do: several gardeners suggested using a product that contains cayenne pepper. It was expensive but I was determined to win this battle so I sprinkled the powder liberally over the strawberries. Here comes Baxter. After burying his nose into the gutter soil he jumps up, grabs his nose with his two front paws and begins to sneeze violently for about 30 seconds. He repeated this ritual at least five times. Just when I’m feeling victorious he looked at me, and smiled as only a squirrel can do, then buried his peanut. Just to aggravate me, he walked away slowly as arrogantly as possible.