The plants germinate in seven to 10 days. One or two days later, the rabbits line up at the buffet. They proceed up one side then down the other, from the beans to the newly planted strawberries. They rarely bother the potatoes, tomatoes, corn, squash, cucumbers and some peppers. All else, including most of our annuals and some perennials, are on their menu.

In the spring and fall, rabbits use a grass or weed shelter for protection from the elements, but mainly for concealment. Lush growth and the tender new growth, almost regardless of the plant, provide the food source. Rabbits spend their lives in 10 acres or less and only live for 12-15 months. They are busy little creatures, producing 2-3 litters of 5-6 offspring per year. That’s 1018 new rabbits per year, moving into a subdivision. Natural predators are numerous, but in an urban setting, most of these are not available; but the food and hiding places are.

Control methods are numerous, and some are effective. Fencing provides a quick and very effective control method and is the recommendation. Fencing around an area or an individual plant must be 18-24 inches tall, with the openings not to exceed 1 inch. Rabbits can burrow, so flaring out the fence at the bottom and burying it 2-3 inches is advisable. This barrier must be staked. A 2- to 5-pound animal can knock over many things if it is hungry. The downside is the fencing obviously detracts from our showpiece garden.

Rabbit repellents are numerous; there are many on the market. Most require frequent applications (after each rain or watering), have a defined effective period, and after acclimation may just be ignored. Take extra precaution to keep the chemical off your hands. It will smell bad for a long time and may be difficult to remove. On a positive note these are almost invisible and can be set to cover a large area quickly.

Live traps are available and fresh lettuce makes good bait. Discharging this animal onto another’s property requires the property owners’ permission. Remember, having trapped and removed one, there are 17 siblings to take its place. The removal of their natural habitat may be the best answer. You cannot control outside your boundaries but inside, look at where they might hide for their nocturnal rampage. Remove areas where they can hide. They like piles of brush, untended bushes, rock ledges, high grass and even an area of day lilies out of bloom.

When the plants you like get larger and less succulent, the rabbits will move on to others. As the summer wears on, they become less active. We need to consider protection now.

One opportunity to tour gardens that have successfully withstood the rabbit invasion and the late frost is the Douglas County Master Gardeners biannual garden tour with some of the most beautiful gardens in the area. On June 2 and 3, the public is invited to tour nine garden sites. The gardens are large and small, urban and country, casual and meticulous. You will be dazzled by their beauty and impressed with their creativity. Along with the visual stimulation there are presentations and demonstrations to help you and your garden regardless of size or complexity.

Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 during the tour. Tickets can be purchased at the Douglas County Extension Office, Clinton Parkway Nursery, Sunrise Garden Center, Pines or Earl May nurseries, and the Dillons Garden Center at 4701 W. Sixth St. For more information, contact the Douglas County Extension office at 843-7058.