Rabbits in the churchyard are a nuisance. They eat the flowers we put on the graves and dig up the ones we
plant. But it's not all the rabbits' fault - deer are also to blame for some of the damage.
Besides culling the rabbit population around the churchyard, there are things we can do to minimise the damage
done by them.
If you bring cut flowers, you are best to avoid white and yellow Chrysanthemums; these are the rabbits'
favourites. They also love Dahlias and Sweet Peas. However, you can spray the flowers with a mixture of 1 part
washing-up liquid to 20 parts water. Rabbits don't like the taste and will leave them alone.
If you wish to plant flowers (not generally recommended, unless you can regularly cut the grass around them),
try Geraniums, Penstemons, Potentillas, Lilies of the Vally, Helibore, Fuschias and Begonias.
Experience suggests you should avoid planting: Dianthus, Pansies and Miniature Roses, as they are all welcome
additions to the rabbit diet-sheet.
It is distressing, when you have taken time and trouble to tend a grave and to make it look colourful with
flowers, to have your work destroyed so quickly. But we do hope that some of these tips will help the
situation. If you have other helpful hints to pass on to those who tend graves, please contact Jill Gray
(861338) or Maureen Corkett (360002) of FOSMY.
Friends of St. Mary's Churchyard (FOSMY).
