gh desert; some will thrive.
- Rosemary and lavender plantings have been a deterrent in the watering basin of the nectarine tree outside the patio door.
- Bitter herbs:
- For centuries, people have used Angelica (Angelica archangelica) to remedy colds and ailments such as rheumatism. Its properties make it a stimulant, stomachic, and tonic. For liquors, it’s been used to flavor gin.
- Chamomile’s (Matricaria chamomilla) curative properties include relief of both fever and restlessness. This mild bitter herb is used as a sedative and antispasmodic.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum) is a mild bitter herb used as a blood cleanser and diuretic, which is also said to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It is still used in traditional cooking in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia.
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is a strong bitter herb used to stimulate the appetite and eliminate infections. In Collections for an Essay Toward a Materia Medica of the United States (1804), Professor Benjamin Smith Barton declared goldenseal a tonic, observing, “The root of the plant is a very powerful bitter.”
- Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) dates back to Ancient Egypt and is believed to be one of the bitter herbs mentioned in the Bible. It has been used as a treatment for colds and respiratory ailments (such as in cough syrup and throat lozenges).
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
- Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
- Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
- Wild Indigo
- Meadow Sweet
- Cranesbill Geranium
- Lamb’s Ear (out here the rabbits love lamb’s ear, maybe the squirrels will not like it.
- Bitter herbs:
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia) – has many health benefits but is tropical. Bitter melon is a plant. The fruit and seeds are used to make medicine.
Bitter melon is used for various stomach and intestinal disorders including gastrointestinal (GI) upset, ulcers, colitis, constipation, and intestinal worms. It is also used for diabetes, kidney stones, fever, psoriasis, and liver disease; to start menstruation; and as supportive treatment for people with HIV/AIDS. It is an anti-viral. May prevent cancer cells from developing and/or multiplying.
Topically, bitter melon is used for deep skin infections (abscesses) and wounds.
Bitter melon is used as a vegetable in India and other Asian countries and as an ingredient in some kinds of curries.
How does it work?
Bitter melon contains a chemical that acts like insulin to help reduce blood sugar levels. Studies in mice indicate bitter melon seed may have a cardioprotective effect by down-regulating the NF-κB inflammatory pathway. (from WebMD)
- Some of the above work for rabbits too.
- Clover, grass, or plantain patch may keep them busy and out of the gardens. Planting extra greens for the rabbits also works for some people.
- Mesh cylinders around plants is helpful.
- Rabbit repellants may work; reapply every two weeks or after rainfall.
- Create chicken wire cages or cloches for individual plants. Roll a piece of chicken wire into a tube, trimming any sharp edges. Twist one end of the chicken wire tube into a point, creating a cloche. Cloches can be placed around individual plants to protect them from being eaten. Ensure the cage/cloche is installed several inches into the ground, or mound soil around the base.
- Placing wire or metal oven racks around plants may help prevent rabbits from eating garden the vegetables. The rabbits reportedly do not like to step among or stand upon the racks, and may look for food elsewhere.
- Planting the following plants in the garden that rabbits supposedly do not like may deter them from eating the vegetables: Yarrow, Aster, Wild Indigo, Meadow Sweet, Cranesbill Geranium, Iris, Narcissus, Yucca, Lambs Ear (hahaha, out here they love Lamb’s Ear), rosemary, lavender, and catnip.
- Rabbit repellent tea: Homemade, organic mixture that can be sprayed onto the surface of plants: Place 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper and 2 tablespoons of garlic powder into a coffee filter and twist it closed. Place this makeshift teabag into a jug or pitcher and pour abo