Oh Deer...

We share the landscaping with many beautiful and important wildlife, and deer can be both adorable and particularly frustrating in the garden. When you invest in a new garden only to find young plants munched down to the ground overnight, you may wonder how to share space with these hungry babes. There is hope because there are many plants they won't have on their late night snack menu. Keep reading to learn which plants they avoid so you can choose wisely and preserve your landscaping.

If it has a strong smell, I don't eat it (except roses which I love), and yes, I eat thorns

Understanding Deer Behavior

Deer are browsers and seek out tender leafy greens. They have distinct preferences and avoid plants with a strong odor or tough textures. They are less likely to feed on plants with an strong scent like mint or lavender compared with sweeter smelling varieties like a rose flower.

The Importance of Deer-Resistant Plants

Choosing deer-resistant plants can save significant time and energy. Not only do they reduce the chances of deer munching on your plants, they also promote a healthier garden ecosystem. Certain plants can improve soil quality and attract beneficial insects and pollinators.

Deer-Resistant Flowering Plants

1. Marigolds (Tagetes)

Marigolds are a favorite for their bright colors and easy care. Their strong scent is a deterrent to deer.

Marigolds are a deer-resistant flowering plant.

2. Lavender

Lavender's lovely purple flowers and fragrant scent are features that deer avoid. It can also draw beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Lavender is a fragrant plant that deer typically leave alone.

3. Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflowers, or Echinacea, are resilient blooms known for their medicinal properties that deer tend to avoid. When planted in clusters, their vibrant colors provide beauty over the seasons.

Coneflowers are colorful and deer-resistant garden plants.

4. Scented Geranium

Scented Geranium is a fast-growing medicinal plant that attracts bees and butterflies, while its strong odor deters deer. It provides year-round color and fragrance and can grow from a small plant to a large one in just a year.

Scented geranium's foliage and flowers are a favorite to bees and butterflies but deer aren't interested

5. Salvias

   
   

   There are sooo many salvia varieties that provide year-round color and thankfully, the deer rarely munch on them. From red , gold and purple to deep pink and blue, there's a salvia to match every need.

   

   Salvia mystic spires is a DtE favorite that is sun-loving and can handle chilly winters.

Deer-Resistant Foliage Plants

1. Hostas

While some deer might nibble on hostas when food is scarce, these leafy perennials are generally not their top choice. Planting diverse types of hostas can add interesting textures and colors to your garden while still resisting deer presence.

2. Ferns

Most ferns possess tough leaves that deer find unappealing. They thrive in shady spots, offering a unique layering effect in your garden. For example, the Japanese Painted Fern, known for its stunning silvery fronds, is a great choice that provides both beauty and resilience.

3. Holly

Holly's spiky leaves naturally deter deer from grazing. This versatile plant adds year-round interest and can serve as a striking privacy hedge, enhancing your garden’s overall appeal. Additionally, varieties of holly can grow to heights of 10 feet or more, providing both function and beauty.

Using Herbs as Natural Deterrents

Many culinary herbs also act as natural repellents for deer. Incorporating these useful plants in your garden can be both practical and effective.

1. Rosemary

Rosemary is not only a flavorful addition to dishes but also tends to be distasteful to deer. When planted strategically, rosemary can create aromatic borders that discourage deer from approaching.

2. Thyme

Thyme’s hardy, aromatic nature makes it unappealing to deer. In addition, its low growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover that can suppress weeds and attract beneficial insects.

3. Sage

Known for its bold fragrance, sage is another herb that deer tend to avoid. This robust plant can enhance your culinary creations while helping to keep deer at bay.

Other Plants Deer Typically Avoid

In addition to the categories above, consider these options known for their deer resistance:

• Yarrow: A hardy perennial with a strong scent that deer usually avoid.

• Catmint (Nepeta): Attracts pollinators while deterring deer.

• Daffodils: The toxicity of these bulbs makes them unappetizing for deer.

• Cistus: A drought-tolerant shrub with strong scented foliage and lovely flowers.

  
  

By incorporating these plants, you not only beautify your garden but also create a protected environment for your hard work.

Finding Success with Deer-Resistant Gardening

With careful planning and the right plant selections, we create gardens that thrive while sharing the space with our dear deer friends. While deer are attracted to many types of foliage, the right combination of deer-resistant plants can turn your garden into a colorful and vibrant space that they will walk past without stopping to munch.

Embrace these selections I've outlined and enjoy a flourishing garden that stands resilient against nibbling visitors.

Happy gardening!

Jes