When the gorgeous high desert yucca (Fam. Agavaceae) blooms it reminds me of my childhood hikes taken with my botanist Dad in the dry country of south central Montana. He loved native plants and knew the botanical names of every one in our region. Yucca grows all over the North American continent. It is considered a pest by some, but it is a hardy plant that is interesting in the landscape at every season.
It is also a "security" plant. In our yard it tops a 4' rock embankment in the front yard, and keeps pets and children from jumping off the rocks and possibly being injured. Along with the equally valuable shrub rose (R. rugosa) which grows profusely in the extremes of the Montana climate, yucca makes a dramatic border. Plant either under your home's windows and your worries about burglars will be greatly reduced! Stay tuned for shrub rose pictures--blooms are just popping out in the perennial beds.
Grape Arbor Tip:
We have a lovely grape arbor to remind us of our years in California. The arbor is of similar design, but the varieties of grapes grown are selected for this northern climate. Remember, there were grapes growing in Greenland (Vinland) in the days of Viking exploration. We grow the native Beta, Concord (Standard American slipskin), Bluebell, and Himrod seedless. They are all "northern" varieties. Robins love grapes. Raccoons love grapes. It's a challenge once the arbor is discovered. Early this spring we had a robin nest on one vine trunk and we allowed that hatch to fledge. But once the vines leaf out, mama bird has to find a new location.
Our bird proofing trick is clipping old CDs to the branches with clothes pins. The reflections scare them away -- usually to the choke cherry bushes next door. The CDs may also be tied on with string, and when they blow about it works even better.
Ideas for rebuffing raccoons are welcome. These critters vault right over our 6' fence without hesitation once the grapes are ripe. Please write! Raccoons are just too smart for anything except cages of chicken wire around the grapes. We don't much like the looks of that.....
Kitchen Garden Cook
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