Creating a Deer Resistant Garden by Barbara Frerichs

Protecting Your Garden From Deer

Each year, more and more homes are using only ornamental grass for their gardens. This may be due to the homeowner's love of grass, but it is most likely a result of homeowners who have just thrown up their hands year after year in exasperation over deer-decimated gardens.

Many homeowners give up after realizing that deer have feasted on everything in their garden, from flowering plants, hostas, standard arborvitae and yew, which are the staples of their diet.

A deer-resistant garden does not have to as bland as one might think. With a bit of time, research and careful planning, a garden can be well-designed, colorful and deer-resistant. A homeowner does not have to surround the property by erecting a twenty-foot high fence, because the goal is make your garden "deer-resistant." And since the deer density in some parts of the country, such as the Town of East Hampton in New York, is 51 per square mile, nothing is completely deer-proof.

There are many old wives' tale remedies floating around, such as placing human hair in a stocking, hanging mirrors and foil or spraying cayenne pepper over the ground, but you could also try a more logical route. The best place to start is with a complete service landscaper or favorite local nursery. Resources and experience have given them a wealth of knowledge. They know what plants are favorite snacks for deer and a good number of plants that they don't eat. They can work with you to develop a wonderful plan for a garden.

If the homeowner prefers to be more hands-on with the gardening, there are several fantastic resources available online. Both the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Rutgers University have lists of landscape plants rated by deer resistance, which are specifically relevant to our region and environment.

In addition to the wide variety of ornamental grasses, there are many trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals available, which will safely add color and depth to any garden. Taking into account the soil and sunlight, along with water availability, one can create an amazing area and keep Bambi at bay.

It seems that highly aromatic plants deter deer, as do those that just taste bad to them. They are creatures of habit and experience, so they stay away from plants that have bothered them in the past. Anise, Aster, Daisies, Lemon Balm, Lily of the Valley, Irises, Ornamental Onion, Russian Sage and even Peonies fall into these categories.

Say goodbye to deer and hello to butterflies with a colorful Buddleia, commonly know as a Butterfly Bush. They are now available in a wide variety of colorful blooms. Even the beloved Hydrangea, a symbol of summer, and although not on the lists mentioned above, is deer resistant* and readily obtainable in so many different varieties. Look at Cranesbill, Coreopsis and Campanula for instant color. How about Winter Gem Boxwoods and Japanese Barberry? These are two shrubs that will add color and depth to a low hedge or garden backdrop against a building or structure.

If there is a plant that you simply adore and must have in your garden, there are several ways to accomplish this. Erect some tall deer fencing around your property or garden and plant it in the midst of plants that deer do not like. This creates an aromatic or taste-camouflaged barrier. Also, purchasing a spray-on deer repellant will increase the chance of keeping those plants from being eaten.

There are several repellants on the market, including Deer Stopper, which is all-organic and actually smells good. Deer Out is a natural product as well as Liquid Fence. Although one may last longer than another, no product is continuously effective. They all must be reapplied on an ongoing basis to offer protection. Any one of these procedures, including selective planting, would need to be carefully monitored in order to work well. Remember what works in one area may not work in another.

With the combination of the current deer overpopulation and ongoing land development in many areas, the situation we face with many hungry deer will not dissapear anytime soon. Instead of being exasperated by the situation, we can take some time to plan and develop beautiful gardens.

*I get alot of grief for this one. Deer have been known to eat the new buds off the plants, and the leaves in the fall. However, the more you have, the less damage they seem to do. It has become hit or miss with the hydrangea lately.

About the Author

Barbara Frerichs, CLP, is a Certified Landscape Professional who is a true entrepreneur. She brings this entrepreneurial spirit to Lion Landscaping of the Hamptons, www.lionlandscaping.com and The Landscaping Calendar, www.landscapingcalendar.com, where her love of plants and the environment can help others achieve beautiful lawns and gardens.