Mirrors...Just Don't

   There is a gardening trend that seems to be all the rage, as of late.  A lot of folks are hanging or positioning mirrors in the gardens to bring "depth" to the space.  Supposedly, this makes a garden seem larger and adds a bit of mystique.  Folks, don't do it.  Just don't.  While it may look nice, it causes a lot of confusion for critters.  Here is a bit of info for you...critters are not vain like humans.  They do not need mirrors.  In fact, most critters find a mirror to be a a passageway to another part of the yard or find it as a threat of some sort.  Just don't, ok?

  As for the "passageway", birds do not seem to understand that the mirror is a hard surface.  They see it as just an opening and will often fly directly into the glass.  This can actually kill the bird.  Not exactly something I wish to do.  As for the threat, critters have a hard time deciphering just who that is in the mirror.  They often see the image as an intruder as they do not have an inkling what a mirror is.  A battle commences between the critter and its image self.  Again, the animal can be hurt terribly.  

  Today was proof that animals and mirrors do not mix well.  No, I did not intentionally place a mirror in the garden.  My husband's truck just received a nice washing and the side mirrors were sparkly clean.  A male towhee immediately thought a rival male was invading his territory!  A battle ensued and, had I not been nearby, the bird may still be battling itself!  Poor thing!  It had no clue that it was wasting its time.

  So, folks, don't follow those trendy things that could be a danger to the wildlife.  Plus, if a large enough critter takes aim at your mirror, you will have to deal with shattered glass in the garden instead of some cutesy idea.  (Seven years bad luck?  If the mirror is large enough, it might take that long to find all of the shards of glass!) Just don't.  Mirrors and gardens do not blend well.  Keep your mirrors inside.