The Urban Permaculture Farm Magazine

I grew up in the high desert of Albuquerque - that translates to very little rain. I can well remember watching my mom mound the dirt around the cucumber plants to help retain water. I can also remember complete strangers showing up at our doorstep to praise mom for her beautiful gardens. Now a lively 85, mom is still gardening. I inherited her love for dirt and plants, and the anticipation of things to come runs through my bones.

I've had a tiny apartment garden that was pretty successful. I even had a secret compost pile hidden near the apartment manager's office. Late at night, I would sneak out, dig a hole behind the overgrown hedge, and bury my kitchen scraps. This composting was so much fun - partly because it was clandestine, but also because it produced beautiful soil with very little effort.

Now I live in the country, and gardening in the country is a whole new ball game. I have ample space to try 20 varieties of tomatoes instead of just growing one tomato in a container on the porch. There is room for pumpkin vines and giant Jerusalem artichoke plants. Strawberries share space with sage and thyme. It is all so lovely. But here is the rub: Living in the country means living with wild animals and wild animals are very interested in my garden.

My country garden has been raided by: raccoons, possums, deer - white tail and axis, a porcupine with a penchant for Mortgage Lifter tomatoes. Tallulah - my yellow Labrador retriever, and most recently, some really dedicated earthworm-loving armadillos.

So my gardening questions have evolved from, "What varieties of lettuce I should plant this fall," to "How can I create an organic garden that provides food for my family and keep out the __________?" (Fill in the creature of your choice.)

To me, part of organic gardening means seeking peace with nature. I've come to the place where losing some plants to the local animals doesn't devastate me. I built a garden that has a good fence, and rock bottom to help keep out those armadillos. Gardening in the country is a delight. However, I never imaged my biggest challenges would be the wild animals that I love. I just don't love them in my garden.

I have found that there is a gift in these garden visitors. Their destruction and persistence has caused me to talk with neighbors and gather the local wisdom. Lots of people have had successful gardens here, and I now have the regular opportunity to talk with them about what works, what they tried, how they managed the land and the creatures. By reaching out, I have become a better gardener and made new friends.

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Cynthia McKenna is a therapist and Episcopal priest. When she's not working, she can often be found in her vegetable garden, water garden or relaxing with her three cats and three Labrador retrievers.