When I meet with clients to discuss landscape design projects with heavy deer pressure they are often very discouraged. Having seen plants get eaten season after season is frustrating, and trying to protect deer prone plants from destruction can be a significant task. Deer repellants, while helpful, have to be reapplied after rain, and netting can trap other wildlife and generally be an eyesore. For these reasons we typically use a combination of plants that deer are less likely to eat – read on to learn more about how they can be combined to form a beautiful garden or click here for a video tour.
First step – identify evergreens that won’t appeal to deer.
Most plantings include some number of evergreen shrubs, and we typically mix multiple varieties for interest. This planting includes Osmanthus ‘Goshiki’, Cephalotaxus ‘Prostrata’, and Juniperus procumbens ‘Nana’. The Osmanthus adds interesting variegation and an upright form, while the Cephalotaxus and Juniperus are both lower growing and can be layered in and among other plants.
Second step – add plants with scented or highly textured foliage.
In this design we used Salvia ‘Furman’s Red’ and Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ which both have fragrant foliage that don’t appeal to deer. The Stachys ‘Helen von Stein’ has a fuzzy leaf that the deer also avoid. All three plants are also drought tolerant and do well in full sun.
Last step – layer in grasses for textural interest.
Grasses are great options and all tend to be ignored by deer. We used both Acorus ‘Ogon’ a small evergreen grass and Panicum ‘Northwind’ a narrow upright warm season grass.
Transform your garden into a deer-resistant masterpiece! Ready to select the perfect plants for your Durham landscape? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start creating your beautiful, deer-proof garden!