Grayslake gardener battles nature

Grayslake resident Bob Ruger decided it was time to plant a garden as he fixed a fence around his garden plot Tuesday at Prairie Crossing Farm.

"I'm retired and this is the first time that I've ever gardened before," Ruger said. "It's kind of fun."

Rabbits ate the beans and peas he planted earlier so he worked on a fence to keep them out. Ruger started the day after Mother's Day, and also planted celery, strawberries, onions, tomatoes and squash.

Pinwheels were placed around the garden to spin and scare away the birds and keep them from eating the seeds and plants.

Prairie Crossing Farm leases garden plots for residents as part of its community gardens program operated by the Liberty Prairie Foundation.