Deer. They are beautiful, graceful creatures that make our hearts melt when they gaze at us with those big, liquid brown eyes. But if you live in an area where deer are common, you already know that they can destroy all of your hard work in the landscape before you even know it is happening! I have many friends who live in deer-infested areas that have simply given up on having nice plants. It is not necessary to have such a defeatist outlook! While it may seem difficult to raise plants in an area with lots of deer, it is not impossible.
If you have a vegetable garden, obviously it must be adequately fenced to make it deer-proof. Other than growing in a greenhouse, there really isn’t any other way to successfully raise beautiful garden produce; the deer love those foods too. Who can blame them? Electrifying the fence is an option but remember to let family and friends know beforehand!
Things like coyote urine can work but you, as well as your neighbors, may not appreciate the smell. I have used this with limited success. The deer seem to realize pretty quickly that there is no real coyotes about.
A barking dog is also a good deterrent. Again, the neighbors may not appreciate your efforts to grow a deer-free garden.
As far as decorative plants are concerned, the best option is to choose deer-resistant items. Planting things deer just don’t like to eat is a great first line of defense. Do your research and decide what you would like to purchase. Then go to the nursery armed with good information. Ask for only plants that deer do not like. Usually, the tags will give that information. Be advised that deer are as individual as people so some may have a taste for shrubs they aren’t supposed to like. Nothing is really foolproof.
To give you some ideas, a few plants that are naturally deer resistant are listed below. Always check to see if they are good to grow in your hardiness zone.
Trees
American Holly
Bottlebrush Buckeye
Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Mimosa
River Birch
Shrubs
Arrowwood Viburnum
Barberry
Butterfly Bush
Leatherleaf Mahonia
Russian Olive
Perennials
Bleeding Heart
Catmint
False Indigo
Iris
Lamb’s Ears
Yucca
This is by no means a complete list, only examples that deer don’t usually like. Autumn is the best time to plant many items, like shrubs, trees, bulbs, and perennials, so get your plan of action ready and go shopping!
Good luck and happy gardening!
