Avoid Landscape Catastrophe by Planting Deer Resistant Plants

Woodland owners often consider whether enough resources are available to keep migrating deer properly fed. But for homeowners living in woodland property, maintaining any form of landscaping may be difficult. Deer love many plants including landscape grasses, and may be considered pests by some homeowners looking to grow a lush and thriving garden.

When possible, deer concentrate on eating the most nutritious foods at different times of the year, seeking to meet nutritional needs. Deer most commonly choose to feed in edge habitats, between open spaces and more heavily wooded areas. Many suburban neighborhoods fit this description, offering open areas full of good food with nearby access to wooded areas for quick escape.

For homeowners looking to protect their plants from deer, the only sure deterrent is a tall fence. As fences are not practical for everyone, many homeowners rely upon "deer resistant plants.'' While only poisonous plants are truly deer resistant, and deer will eat most vegetation when necessary, certain plants have developed a reputation for being rarely damaged by deer. A few of these include:

• Anise • Cactus• Yucca
• American Holly
• Daffodil • Thyme • Bluebell • Heather

In addition to populating your garden with these or other "deer resistant plants," there are a few other methods of protecting your produce. Aside from the folk remedies like surrounding your garden with human hair, certain aromas will deter deer. For example, the presence of a dog in or around the garden will make a deer much more cautious about foraging for food. Planting catmint in your garden may attract cats, and the combined effect of cat aroma and the presence of catmint should be enough to keep deer out of your yard. Do further research to find out more ways of protecting your plants from deer and other common Maine garden pests.