Pear Tree Cottage Garden: Further Fox-proof Fortifications

The green and rolling countryside of Worcestershire, England, is home to the cider apple orchards which surround the gardens of Pear Tree Cottage. They enjoy a sunny south westerly aspect with sweeping views across to Martley Hillside, Woodbury and Abberley clock tower. The Teme Valley lies just over the hill and, not far away, is the Herefordshire border. Although our climate is temperate, our seasons are often uncertain and always a challenge to a gardener! This began in 2010 & follows the weekly ups and downs of garden work chronicling both successes and failures but, above all, demonstrates the fun enjoyed by three people who regularly garden in all weathers

10 July 2016

Further Fox-proof Fortifications

Chris's antique danger sign!

Cutting the reinforcing mesh.

Before we can even think of replacing the 2 chickens killed by the fox, we spent much time improving their fortifications. Dare I say that the Henclosure looks a tad more Auschwitz-like now? Hey ho - one has to be practical when it comes to fox defences! Al added some overhanging brackets to which Chris and I attached 2 strands of (fully tested!) electrified wire. We also added some more reinforcing mesh to a new and higher 8'X4"X4" post raising the fence on the south side of the Henclosure. Now Monsieur Reynard 'knows' where he can make a return visit with another killing spree in mind, we hope his wet whiskers touch the wire! Hopefully the overhanging Bonica rose softens the otherwise austere appearances.