Deer-Resistant Perennials Part 1

This is a Three-part Series
Part One is a background of deer-resistant planting, design aspects and a suggestion list of ornamental grasses.
Part Two contains deer-resistant perennials for shade
Part Three contains deer-resistant perennials for sun and a list of links to information about gardening with deer

Since I am in the process of moving to an area with a high population of deer (Pender Island, B.C.), I thought it would be good to think about deer-resistant plantings.

People tell me "Why don't you just put up a fence?"

I have a problem with putting up a fence just to keep the deer out of an ornamental garden. It seems frivolous. I might back-pedal on this particular conviction of mine one day, but for now I would like to abide by these ideals. Also, fences are expensive and can be an real eyesore unless planned properly with the right materials.

I do plan a fence, but would prefer to keep the protected plants to non-frivolous species, such as food plants, herbs, and those which contribute to my cottage economy (ie: plants for sale), and, of course, chickens.

Deer Resistance
Rules of Thumb

• Deer will eat anything we do.
• Deer will taste almost anything once just to see if it's good.
• Deer don't like highly aromatic plants, such as rosemary and other strong herbs.
• Deer don't like things with massive prickles. If it's a plant they love that has thorns (such as roses) they will browse the flowers and foliage only, avoiding prickles.
• There are many deer-resistance myths. Avoid planting a large amount of something until you are sure.
• What some deer like, others don't.
• Generally, young deer eat more than mature or aging deer and are more voracious when it comes to testing things they're not sure of.
• The deer on one island will eat different things than those on another island, for no apparent reason.
• There are different types of deer. These will also have varying preferences.
• Just because deer don't touch the foliage of certain plants, this doesn't mean they won't change their minds at flowering time. Examples of this: Astilbes, Lupines.

Please keep these points in mind when planning your perennial garden.

Designing a Deer-Tolerant Landscape
Once you learn what is available as far as what deer don't like to eat, you will soon realize the potential for a highly naturalistic landscape. At the same time, almost anything can be done with these plants to form a formal or free-style backbone to your garden.

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