Eastern Cottontail rabbit

I have a special fondness for rabbits. Probably if we had more of them, and they were a nuisance in my vegetable garden, I wouldn't think so favorably about them. We live in a small town that's quite suburban in character, really; although we're not in the 'suburbs,' we're not totally rural anymore, either. There's plenty of open space here, but it's increasingly punctated by a mix of houses, pop-up malls, etc.

Rabbits are a scarce commodity around here. I always enjoy spotting one on a morning walk or in our garden.

Growing up, I loved The Story of Peter Rabbit and all of the other Beatrix Potter tales. My mom even gave me a collection of Beatrix Potter stories as a keepsake as a young adult.

So I was delighted to see this large rabbit in the front meadow this morning. S/he was nibbling on grasses, and looks like quite the robust specimen.

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A Peter Rabbit Garden

I love this whimsical garden. I enjoyed Peter Rabbit and other Beatrix Potter stories as a child (and still do) -- and the illustrations are wonderful. So the idea of having a small cottage garden, complete with a child-sized garden shed was appealing, and the reality has been even more fun. It changes seasonally; right now the zinnias are stars.

The sweet bright blue chair is a kid-magnet. Shortly before I took this picture, a delightful tow-headed toddler was insistent about clambering up to sit on it. It'll be fun to do our Peter Rabbit Salad Garden program next weekend!

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