Commemorating Triumph Over the Rabbits

From the beginning of time it seems that we have had the desire to build monuments to commemorate great events, like the ends of wars.

We have put up statues to remember great leaders and thinkers of our time.

We need and enjoy these visual reminders of the past. They become great landmarks and rallying places for us.

In my own city of Indianapolis, we have a great monument, the Soldiers’ and Sailor’s Monument, located in the heart of downtown. It defines the city and serves as a reminder of all those who died in wars before World War I, and it is also a gathering place for happier events, like the ends of other wars.

And at Christmas time, lights are strung from the top to turn the monument into “the world’s tallest Christmas tree”, which should be on everyone’s gardener’s life list as something to see, even though we realize it isn’t technically a tree.

In my own garden, I wanted a monument, a sculpture to remember, because I believe I have finally won my own war against the rabbits or at least I have been victorious in enough battles to feel like I have the upper hand.

So far this summer, and it’s early yet, I’ve picked three ‘messes’ of green beans. Two messes were from two four foot rows of ‘Provider’ and one was from a six foot row of ‘Maxibel’, some fancy French green beans I’m trying. And there will be more! I’ve planted more beans so that the harvest will continue into August.

I believe much of my success is due to using plastic spoons around the beans to keep out the rabbits. But recently my older sister said she tried the same thing, and it did not work for her. The rabbits ate all her bean plants.

She was telling me about it the other day and she was not happy. As though it was my fault! I can’t take responsibility like that. I can only advise and wonder what she did wrong.

But giving her the benefit of the doubt that she used the spoons correctly, I feel I should offer a disclaimer that “your results may vary” if you decide to erect plastic cutlery fortresses in your own garden to keep the rabbits out. Apparently it may or may not work.

But it worked for me, and so I feel victorious, full of beans. I feel like celebrating.

I feel like putting something in my garden to remember not only all the frustrations, the anguish, the disappointments of having bean crop after bean crop devoured by the rabbits, year in and year out, but more importantly to remember that I can beat the rabbits. I can prevail in my garden and have green beans.

With that in mind, I found a new sculpture that I have added to my perennial garden.

May I present a remembrance, a bit of whimsy for my garden.
I’m calling it “Triumph Over Rabbits”, or in honor of my French green beans, “Triomphe sur les Lapins”.

Each time I see my new sculpture, I’ll remember. I’ll be vigilant and watchful. The rabbits are out there, they are eating, but there are ways to live with them. Peaceful ways.

A date for the formal dedication of this sculpture has not been set, but it shall be soon, to be accompanied by a great feast from the garden featuring green beans, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and perhaps, a tomato and some eggplant.

Until then may peace and prosperity continue in my garden, and yours as well.