LIFE

In the Garden | 41 garden plants deer don't like

Richard Poffenbaugh
Columnist

Deer damage to garden plants by browsing is a common complaint among suburban and rural gardeners. City gardeners are less likely to suffer damage unless there are nearby woodlots or other places where deer may find a bed site.

Twenty years ago, I had no deer problem, as few or none were in our area. But it is totally different today, with deer all over the place. If you want to garden successfully, you must learn to cope with them.

There are two effective means of protection. First is the application of a repellent spray that has a bad odor and taste. Second is a protective barrier around the garden to keep them out. The most common product is the black mesh fencing, which is easy to install and lasts for several years. It is available from A.M. Leonard in Piqua. The business offers hundreds of outdoor products; call 800-543-8955 for a catalog. My fencing has been in use for more than 10 years.

I should have another, smaller plot enclosed for mesh for selected annuals and perennials that require deer protection. Such a simple step makes life much more pleasant for the gardener who enjoys deer-prone plantings.

A deer repellent such as Liquid Fence is effective as long as you maintain a regular spray schedule. If you forget a spray date or two, you are in the deer danger zone.

A dog that barks when a deer visits may be one answer to deer problems. Deer avoid dogs and will stay away if a dog is on duty 24/7.

41 garden plants

All of the following plants have been grown by me in recent years as an attempt to identify those that are ignored where there are abundant deer. These plants have flourished in spite of growing in deer country without protection.

• Annuals: Dusty Miller; marigold, Janie; salvia, Victoria Blue; snapdragon; white sweet alyssum; zinnia, Magellan Series.

• Bulbs: Daffodils, all types; ornamental onions; galanthus (snowdrop).

• Herbs: Chives, catmint, horseradish, lavender, mint, sweet woodruff.

• Perennials: Tall bearded iris; bleeding heart; butterfly bush; butterfly weed; campanula, Blue Chips; coreopsis, Creme Brulee, Moonbeam and Santa Fe; goldenrod; hen and chicks; hydrangea, Annabelle; Joe-Pye weed; ligularia, Rocket; ornamental grasses, Blue Fescue-Elijah Blue; native prairie grass, Little Bluestem; Oriental poppy, Beauty of Lovermore; pachysandra; peony; phlox, creeping; salvia, Blue Night; Shasta daisy, Becky; yarrow, Moonshine.

• Vegetables: Garlic, sweet onion, Candy; rhubarb.

After I began searching for plants to include on this list, I was surprised by how many I found. And this is only a drop in the bucket of available plant life. Research has indicated that deer have superior senses of vision, hearing and smell. It is likely they are very sensitive to textures among leaves and flowers.

Of course, during an extremely long, cold winter they are not as selective about food choices. But the number of variables is the material for an extended study of deer food habits and choices. It would be a good study for someone working on a degree in wildlife research and eating habits of white-tailed deer.

As for the iris, I know the flower releases an extremely powerful, sweet fragrance when you have one for a cut flower. It is almost overwhelming and quickly spreads through all the rooms indoors. Fragrant lilacs or roses are much better choices.

Home and garden show

The Columbus Dispatch Home and Garden Show is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Ohio Expo Center (Ohio State Fairgrounds). Show hours will be 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, closed Monday and 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Tickets are $13 at the door or $10 online at DispatchHomeAndGardenShow.com.

Richard Poffenbaugh is a retired biology teacher and active home gardener since 1960. He is a member of the Mansfield Men's Garden Club and was editor of the club newsletter "The Greenhorn" for 21 years. He resides in Ontario with wife, Barbara. Reach him at 419-529-2966.

One of the most colorful perennials, the bearded iris, is ignored by white-tailed deer.