Apr. 4, 2008 - Local wildlife's buffet

Creating a deer & rabbit resistant garden

Residing here in Franklin Township, I’ve not had more frustration than dealing with deer and rabbits attacking my tiny garden. The last 4 - 5 years my problem has seemed to have worsened. But then again, those were also housing boom years that destroyed some of the wildlife’s natural habitats. Consequently, I had cut back on my gardening.

Spring has arrived and I’m thinking of giving my garden another chance with deer and rabbit resistant plants and flowers. It seems that many deer resistant flora are also rabbit resistant. I’m finding these pests will eat just about anything if hungry enough. Deer have a tendency to nibble on items that are unpalatable if they are located in their feeding area. But, the following plants are said to offer some hope: Allium, Artemesia, Baptisia, Buddleia, Clethra, Caryopteris, Digitalis, Festuca, Lavender, Miscanthus, Monarda, Nepeta, Pennisetum, Perovskia, Rugosa roses, Salvia, Santolina and Viburnum.

The use repellents can also be affective. But, different repellents should be rotated. I found a recommendation to mix a raw egg with a gallon of water and sprinkle this on the plants every couple of days would help protect the plants from the marauding deer. Spray more often during the active growing season as plants will "grow out" of the repellent quickly.

For more information, Rutgers University’s Cooperative Extension has an extensive list of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance and good luck with your summer garden.

Jun. 25, 2008 - RE: Local wildlife's buffet

Jun. 25, 2008 - RE: Local wildlife's buffet