planting tomatoes and bunny seeds: a backyard dilemma
Last spring, I knelt in my backyard, hands deep in the cool earth, just like my mother used to do every April. I planted my tomato seedlings right next to a patch where, on a whim, I’d scattered some wildflower seeds—my so-called 'bunny seeds,' hoping to attract rabbits for my grandkids to watch.
Back in my childhood, gardens were practical—rows of tomatoes, beans, and corn, no fuss. My father would shake his head at the idea of planting anything just for the wildlife. But now, I see neighbors mixing flowers and veggies, chasing pollinators and Instagram likes. It makes me wonder: are we losing the old ways, or just making room for new joys?
This year, the tomatoes struggled, crowded by wildflowers and nibbled by visiting rabbits. My neighbor, a retired teacher, stopped by and said, 'You know, in our day, we kept the veggies fenced and the flowers out front.' But my granddaughter loves watching the bunnies, and I love seeing her smile.
Still, some in our community garden group grumble about rabbits ruining harvests and blame folks like me for inviting trouble. Is it wrong to plant for beauty and wildlife, even if it means fewer tomatoes? Or should we stick to tradition and protect our crops at all costs?
The weather’s been unpredictable, too—late frosts and sudden heat. Maybe the old rules don’t fit anymore. I’d love to hear how others balance nostalgia, family, and the changing climate in their gardens. Do you fence out the rabbits, or welcome them in?
#gardeningmemories #familytraditions #wildlifevsveggies #Gardening
