Urban gardeners don’t have to worry much about deer nibbling on their prized roses. However, those of us in more rural or underdeveloped areas are quite familiar with the issue. Deer are lovely to watch but not when they are stomping all over your vegetable garden or eating the tops off of your bulbs before you ever get the chance to see a bloom. Creating a deer resistant garden is a must for any gardener who suffers from these grazing marauders.
Deer Resistant Garden Ideas
There are many borders and chemical deterrents to prevent deer in the landscape. The problem is that what works in one region may not work in another. Much of the reliability on such items depends upon how hungry and how adapted to humans deer are, and even the weather can be a factor. Planting deer-resistant plants may be a better bet than investing in odor, noise, or barrier deterrents. Some of the best tips on how to design a deer-resistant garden are available to you if you read on. Fences seem like a good deterrent to deer, but they have to be at least 8 feet (2 m.) high, or the hungry foragers will simply jump over them. Noisy or flapping items may be useful to scare deer away as are some of the sprays available. These don’t work as well in areas with plenty of rain though. Stinky items have some usefulness. These might include:
- Mothballs
- Garlic
- Blood meal
- Fabric softener
- Human hair
Again, the effectiveness diminishes with rainfall. Deer tend to shy away from difficult-to-reach plants. A border made of prickly or spiny plants is a good preventative and gives you a lovely green area to view. Deer resistant garden plans should include:
The animals prefer not to browse on anything that is hairy, thorny, potentially poisonous, or plants with strong, pungent scents.
How to Design a Deer Resistant Garden
Start by considering how much work you wish to put into new plantings. Hedges with thorns not only curb the deer’s browsing but can be painful to keep pruned. Other plants may not be suitable because they need too much water, or your site may not have the correct exposure. Then consult your local master gardener’s or extension office for a list of deer-resistant plants. Deer have regional tastes and what works for one gardener may not work for another. Deer resistant garden plans should complement the existing landscape and enhance the area. The last thing you want is for your garden to look like a green Fort Knox. Creating a deer resistant garden should mesh together defense with beauty. Overall, there are some guidelines for the plants you choose. Trees that are seldom damaged might be:
Shrubs or bushes that might be appropriate could start with:
If you just have your heart set on flowers, star jasmine and ajuga are seldom bothered by deer. Then there are other perennials that seem to be impervious to deer browses such as:
Snapdragons, cosmos, and marigolds are lovely annual plants that are safe to add to the deer-proof garden. Bulbs are another matter. Deer love the tender new green foliage. If you want to get to the flowering stage, try:
These plants aren’t necessarily foolproof, but if you surround them with a spiny hedge or deeply scented herbs, their chance of survival with those pesky, four legged ruminants will escalate.
-
6 Flower Seeds I’m Gifting Everyone I Know This Christmas – To Inspire Their Garden In 2025Give the most meaningful gift of growing this holiday season. Senior Editor Melanie shares her flower seed picks to delight both new and experienced gardeners.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
-
Deter Deer And Prevent Ticks By Getting Rid Of HoneysuckleWe don’t usually think of sweet-smelling honeysuckle as being unsafe, but the deer love it. and where there are deer there are often ticks. Read on for more reasons to avoid non-native honeysuckles.
-
Deer Proof Shade Flowers: Choosing Deer Resistant Flowers For ShadeWatching deer move through your property can be a peaceful way to enjoy nature. However, they can become a nuisance if they start eating your flowers. If you have a shady garden bed, add flowers they will have no interest in. Click here to learn more.
-
Deer Droppings On Plants: Is Fertilizing With Deer Manure SafeWhether you love or hate deer, or have a more complicated relationship with them, there is one important question to answer: Can you use deer manure in gardens? Click on the following article to find out more about fertilizing with deer manure.
-
Deer Proof Evergreens: Are There Evergreens Deer Won’t EatThe presence of deer in the garden can be troublesome. With some proven planting techniques, however, gardeners may be able to reduce the occurrence of damage caused by deer. Planting deer resistant evergreen plants, for example is one method. Learn more here.
-
Deer Proof Gardening: What Vegetables Are Deer ResistantThe best defense is a good offense. In deer proof gardening, plants that smell offensive to deer can deter them from their favorite edibles. Planting a garden with edible plants deer don't eat is also a defense. Click here for fruits and vegetables deer won't eat.
-
Roses And Deer – Do Deer Eat Rose Plants And How To Save ThemDeer do indeed love the beautiful, succulent growth they find in those meadows and valleys, but they cannot resist a rose garden if there is one close by. Learn how to fix deer damage and prevent more in this article. Click here for more info.
-
Deer Rubbing Tree Bark: Protecting Trees From Deer RubsDeer are majestic creatures when they're bounding through open fields and frolicking in someone else's woods. When they come into your yard and start damaging trees, they become something else entirely. Learn more in this article.
-
Deer Fencing Designs - How To Build A Deer Proof FenceDeer are elegant and graceful creatures but these attributes fall short when they have been in the garden eating your prize plants. If repellents aren't working, think about building a deer proof fence. This article will help.
