Question: I am so fed up with stray cats messing up my yard. Don’t people realize that if they buy a pet, it is their responsibility to care for it without damaging other people’s properties? How can I keep these creatures from using my yard as their own personal toilet? — Brian
Answer: Experiment with a variety of deterrents until you find the most effective solution for your visitors. The No. 1 tip is to make your yard unattractive to cats by making digging difficult and uncomfortable. Bury chicken wire under the soil or top soil with pinecones, flat rock or mulch. Position rose bush branches along the ground. If you do not have rose bushes, your local garden centre may be willing to donate thorny branches. Or bury mats that have upward-facing points. Cats don’t like prickles. Make your yard unattractive to cats by planting a patch of catnip away from your yard or plant "rue" — cats detest the smell.
Keep cats out of the garden by sprinkling coffee grounds or onions on the soil. Pet and garden stores sell a variety of products, e.g. predator urine and cat repellents. You can also purchase a motion-sensor sprinkler system; most cats detest water.
Question: Is it OK to leave my garden hose outside over the winter months? — Charles
Answer: It is wise to detach your garden hose in preparation for the harsh weather. When hoses remain attached over winter, the water is not able to drain out of the pipe attached inside of the wall. As ice forms it pushes against the copper pipe, which very often becomes damaged. Save yourself a headache and money by removing the hose, draining the water and storing the hose inside your garage, shed or basement.
Question: What is the secret to baking perfect shortbread? — Melissa
Answer: Every baker has their own tips and tricks for making amazing shortbread. Here are a few ideas: Make sure that the butter is room temperature. If you are planning to make a variety of shapes, chill the dough first. If cookies become soggy after a few days, heat them up in the oven for a few minutes so that they become crispy.
Question: How can I stop squirrels from digging in outdoor pots and chewing wooden objects outdoors? How can I get rid of them near the house? — Gail
Answer: What works for one squirrel will not necessarily work for them all; here are some effective solutions to try. Begin by distracting your furry friends with a bowl of store-bought food specifically for them. Place the bowl away from the pots but close enough that they will see their food. Wrap chicken wire over plant pots; they are unable to chew through it. Or place large rocks over the soil. Human hair, blood meal, dog fur and fox urine are options, but all seem to lose their effectiveness after a few weeks. Here is one of my all-time favorite solutions: Push the handle of several plastic forks straight down into the soil. Squirrels don’t like the feeling of plastic fork tines on their cute little feet.
Pumpkin patch
Pumpkin Facial Mask: In a bowl combine 2 tbsp. pureed pumpkin, half tsp. honey and half tsp. milk. Spread over face, being careful to avoid the eyes. Leave for 15 mins. and rinse with water.
Off the Trail Pumpkin Snack: In a container combine approximately half cup of each of the following: roasted pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips, hazelnuts, Cheerios, raisins, cranberries and toasted almonds. Season with half tsp. apple pie spice. Toss and eat.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
