by Raynie Andrewsen

Created on: May 29, 2008   Last Updated: June 10, 2008

Sitting, enjoying the sun on my shoulders, the laughter of my son in his kiddy pool and a tall cold drink was just the prelude to the extraordinary world I found just under my feet. It was a hot summer's day and I looked at the weeds beginning to accumulate in what used to be some nice green lawn. They were weeds yes, but they were lovely. I knew from my studies as an herbalist that the tiny little clusters of white flowers at its top and the delicate heart shaped leaves that ran the length of its stem were all I needed to identify the weed as shepherd's purse. While to many just a bothersome weed, I knew better, it was an herb that has some miraculous healing powers. In fact I had quite a little herbal pharmacy growing wild, completely by the hand of Mother Nature herself. There were splashes of yellow here and there. I knew at a glance it was that pesky dandelion. So troublesome but yet it too has healing properties and is also very nutritious.

As I wondered at my natural herb garden and tested my plant identification skills, I saw something. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed movement, a little shaking here and there. Upon closer observation I realized there was a whole next to one of the dandelions. I was now fixated on what may be causing the movement of the weeds. Was that a flash of brown? Two little paws, and dark eyes, why he is quite brazen! Yes it is a gopher and he is after my newly discovered herbs. What nerve he has, in fact he has no fear as he comes completely out of his little hole to chomp down on my grass and dandelion and pretty much everything in the vicinity of his little home. While my first instinct was how I get rid of such a rude little rodent squatting in my yard, I have to admit that my heart softened a bit as I watched him. I decided that there was room enough for us both in this yard.

Unfortunately, he loved his new home so much he invited his family and friends to visit and they never left! The have also expanded his tiny condo into a full community. Just how do I evict this little guy and all his family and friends? He seemed so sweet and innocent when first we met. He is now my nemesis; he and his pals have destroyed my lawn and have eaten all of my herbs that were growing so wild and free. Those days of enjoying the day with a cold drink in the warm sunshine and watching him do his little gopher things are long gone. I'll be giving him his eviction notice tomorrow.

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