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Squirrels have a yen for gazanias

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Squirrels apparently have a thing for gazanias.

That’s what volunteers learned after they planted rows of the colorful flowers at the Welcome to Ramona monument at state Route 67 and Highland Valley Road several months ago.

“We can’t seem to beat ‘em, so we planted some ice plants,” said John Degenfelder, who spearheaded the monument project. “...We put three squirrel traps out, and they just crushed them.”

Even though the agile rodents cleared the ground OF gazanias near the monument, they left the ones closer to the road alone.

“The squirrels don’t seem to like the traffic,” Degenfelder commented as he pointed to the fledgling succulents that the squirrels aren’t bothering near the monument. “Closer to the monument, they just wiped us out. We have one box of gazanias left over, so we’ll fill them in closer to the road.”

It takes a great deal of volunteer work to keep the ground around the monument attractive year-round, and Degenfelder and his crew could use some help.

“We’re thankful for the volunteers,” said Degenfelder, listing the names of people who have donated time and money.

The monument, which is on county property, has been at the corner for five years.

“What’s funny about the whole thing is the first five years we were doing pretty good,” noted Degenfelder.

Anyone wishing to volunteer to help with upkeep of the monument grounds may contact Degenfelder at 760-789-1716.

—Maureen Robertson

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