- December 15, 2025
Bob Sh’mal Ellenberg, of Zaun Trail, has been an avid gardener for decades, but never in an area near the ocean, with woods and deer tramping through the backyard.
This was a new adventure for him, he wrote in an email. The fence he installed did nothing to keep critters away, as they feasted on his kale and collards before carrying off his almost-heading broccoli plants.
He tried liquids and pellets and even a scarecrow. Still, the animals continued to eat — until he found the answer.
“Being someone who delves into the esoteric, I put out mental, meditative energies to the garden divas and whoever else watches over my gardens to please keep away the critters,” Ellenberg said. “Whatever the reason, I’m thankful. The animals stopped coming.”
Ellenberg’s first season produced cabbages, broccoli, collards, lettuce, radishes and carrots. He recently built a compost bin and is looking forward to planting a spring-summer garden.
