by Colin Eaton, Garden City Tree & Landscape –
If you have flower beds or gardens in the Greater Victoria area, you know the deer seem to enjoy it more than you do. Nothing seems to be safe from their hungry mouths! However, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you get the most out of your garden, while keeping the deer away.
Deer rely heavily on their senses of smell and touch to guide them towards their next feast. Changing the menu is the easiest way to send the deer packing. Planting undesirable plants amongst your garden, like plants with a strong scent (marigolds, rosemary, geranium, chives, mint), or thorny, hairy or prickly plants (lamb’s ear, rugosa roses), can act as a repellent.
Choosing plants that are deer resistant is another good option. Those that are native to Vancouver Island stand the best chance against our hungry friends. Nootka rose, ocean spray, huckleberry, salal, kinnikinnick and mahonia are all good deer resistant plants. Remember that deer resistant does not mean deer proof! Their taste can be quite unpredictable and changes from deer to deer and even season to season. Even resistant plants should be protected by some netting until they get established. Young, curious deer might still try to eat the new growth.
Do not underestimate the power of scare tactics. A pet dog can be quite useful in this area. Things that move and create unpredictable noise can help keep the deer away. Things like wind chimes, windsocks, motion sensored lights and sprinklers might startle your deer enough to not return.
If all else fails, fencing and hedges are the most effective way to keep the deer away from your beautiful, lush garden. Fencing should be high enough that it cannot be jumped. A four-foot fence may not be enough, whereas a six-foot fence would offer better protection. Hedging can also be effective, if it is tall and thick enough. You will want to protect new hedges with a temporary fence or netting from being munched while they are still young. Once established they create a nice privacy screen and can keep those unwanted guests out of your yard.
Remember that deer are like people and are all different. What will work with one deer might not work with the next one that roams your yard. One might leave your lilies alone, but the next might munch them down to nothing. I’ll say it again: deer resistant does not mean deer proof; make sure to protect younger plants, even if they claim to be deer resistant. Good luck!
For more information, visit www.victoriagardencity.ca.
