Deer Resistant Plants

Fencing would need to be over eight feel tall so deer can't jump over it, which wouldn't work in most gardens.

Deer have also been known to dig under a fence, which would require setting any fencing deep into the ground.

And since deer are protected by most local laws, gardeners are limited on the options for preventing the complete devastation of our landscapes.

One option is to keep all your plantings near the house, where any human presence would scare them off, but since deer are nocturnal, this isn't always feasible.

Some gardeners allow for the deer to forage by providing a bed of vegetables and plants that the deer can enjoy.

But the deer won't recognize this generous offer and will scavenge in other areas as well.

However, there are some deer resistant plants that we can grow to keep deer out of our gardens.

By including these plants in areas where deer are a nuisance, we stand a better chance of limiting the damage done by these beautiful, yet destructive creatures in our landscapes.

Deer Resistant Plants for Spring Bloom

A bed of yellow daffodils, blue iris and blue ajuga will provide spring blooms in a deer resistant garden.

Several varieties of columbine are available in a wide array of colors to add to your spring bed.

Thyme and salvia add scent and purpose to a garden that is deer resistant in springtime. For ground cover, consider sedum with its yellow, pink or red flower varieties.

Bleeding heart is another deer resistant plant that works well in garden beds or hanging baskets on a deck.

Deer Resistant Plants for Summer Bloom

Yarrow provides height and color along with fern-like foliage summer through fall. For additional summer foliage interest add a few varieties of artemesia.

Butterfly bush and bee balm, while deterring deer, are fragrant and attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the summer garden, with lavender adding additional scent.

Deer Resistant Plants for Fall Bloom

Asters, with their daisy-like flowers and colors ranging from white thru numerous pinks and purples and varying heights, offer a wide selection of spring blooming plants for a deer resistant garden in late summer through fall.

Coneflower begins to flower in mid to late summer and continues its bloom well into fall. Salvia and thyme extend their fragrances into mid-autumn.

With just a little planning, you can create a beautiful, deer-resistant landscape with an array of flowers, colors and scents through the seasons.