We decided that it was a rabbit that attacked the basil plant.

Since I will be planting herbs, etc., next summer, I would like to know how to deal with rabbits. These rabbits are most likely related to the rabbits that ate Mom's expensive Gumpo azaleas in the past.

These are wild rabbits. You know....the kind you could use in Brunswick Stew. Since I do not like to eat rabbits even in Brunswick Stew, I won't shoot the rabbit. I am not good at poisoning things either.

Virginia:

You may want to try some freestanding (or supported) wire mesh, propped up around the pot and high enough so they can't leap into the pot itself. My mom had the same problem with her herbs, and found that to be the best solution.

Then again, she only has cottontails in her neck of the woods ... and I don't know what the wild rabbits near your mom's are like. (Meaning are they big, are they more like jackrabbits than cottontails, etc.)

put mothballs around the plant base.

They are the cute little brown cottontail rabbits. I don't know why they went after the basil as they have 8 acres of clover, etc, to chomp on. I have a lot of white clover in my grassy yard.

Wildlife love my yard because there are 2 pecan trees, lots of Holly trees (unusual ones with black, yellow, or red berries), and Dogwood trees. Trust me, I have squirrels that look healthy, fat, and sassy. LOL.

Virginia Needlewoman:

I don't know why they went after the basil as they have 8 acres of clover, etc

They are like kids, just wanting what they shouldn't have!

Normally I could've handled it, but I was under a lot of stress with Mom, the rental house, etc. I had learned how to make basil pesto from Warren and I was/am too cheap to buy fresh basil at the grocery store.

What you haven't seen is my overload supply of pasta bought on sale and with coupons. I decided to eat things that I had in the house plus make a bunch of soups for easy meals this coming year.

I get really tired of Stouffers and that's why I was trying to make sauces for pasta or freeze leftovers. Not trying to brag, but I have the ingredients for some wonderful meals. As you know, eating at home helps a budget !

The squirrels and crows used to drive step-father crazy about the pecans.

They are really cute looking bunnies.

Virginia Needlewoman:

I don't know why they went after the basil as they have 8 acres of clover, etc, to chomp on.

LOLOLOL Just like children, who want the ice cream before eating the meat and potatoes!

Next summer I will be prepared for them. But this year it made me cry because I didn't want to have to buy the pricey jars of sauce from Williams-Sonoma. I understand that Trader Joe's has similar sauces for a lot less money.

I may end up making different cheese sauces instead of pesto for all of my pasta.

My cleaning woman said to tell you that you just wouldn't believe all the foods in the pantry and kitchen. She says that Aurora pouts because I haven't stockpiled food and Fresh Step for her.