an impenetrable fortress of squirrel defiance

keeps produce in and squirrels out. i hope.

it's been a while since i drew up the plans for a cage around my garden. but life happens, and rain happens, and we weren't able to get to it until now. some confessions: i had almost nothing to do with constructing it, my original plans were not accurate, it was much more complicated than anticipated, and it took almost an entire day to build in sweltering heat.

it began with the construction of the top and door. screwing them together was a procedure that involved clamping them at a right angle. when they were finished, the chicken wire was stapled on with a power stapler.

my carpenter was moving so quickly and with such focus that i didn't get a shot of the frame before the chicken wire was applied, and the door hinges attached. basically, the sides needed additional support at the top and bottom for stability. they were constructed in the same way as the front and top, then drilled into the top of the planter. another block of wood was added to the back along the planter, so there were no gaps in the chicken wire for tiny paws to get through.

hanging the door in the hinges was maybe the easiest part. he eyeballed it and did a fantastic job. the final touch was a hook end eye to keep the door closed. i'm feeling confident that a squirrel won't figure out the spring mechanism to open it. i can barely get it myself.

sleep tight, chunky tomato. this fortress will protect you from the fangs and claws of destruction.