Readers’ Response to Browsers

Readers' responses to what works/doesn't work in their garden to discourage browsers.

Deer-Off
Item # 99884 		Deer-Off

each $19.99
  • Topic: Pests
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: rabbits, deer, browsers, Pests, rabbitresistant, deerresistant
  • Date: July 2003

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Editor’s Note: A few months ago, we asked readers to write in and share what they’ve observed about rabbits and deer in their gardens—what they eat, what they don’t. Following are some of the replies. We’re always open to hearing what’s going on in your gardens so we can pass on the info.

  • * It’s nearly impossible to find plants that the deer don’t devour here in Eastern Washington. We had a severe drought two summers ago, which drove the deer and elk into my flower gardens and nearly wiped them out. I was surprised to find them digging into several of the “deer-resistant” plants, while they avoided others at all costs. This year, my “deer-resistant” plants worked since we had normal rainfall and the deer and elk could find greenery elsewhere.

Also, interesting—the roses never go untouched. I have tried several things and finally found a systemic “deer-off” which was to last all blooming season. I fed this to my roses early in the spring (all my roses are behind short wire fences or wrapped in tall wire fences—they aren’t easy to grab!). It helped in the early spring, but by end of summer they were attacking again full force. They do love those roses—thorns and all.

This fall we put up a nine-foot fence around one garden. I hope it allows me to grow a few more roses and other goodies that the deer like to eat!

Plants they wouldn’t touch:

Daffodils All lavenders (I had about four types, including Munstead and Lady) Bachelor’s buttons Yarrow Sunflowers

Plants not usually eaten, but were taken during the drought:

Russian sage (just a bit) Orange globe mallow (just a bit) Gladiolus (just a bit) Caryopteris (quite a bit) Various salvias (quite a bit) Coreopsis Moonbeam (devastated)

Ellen Irwin, Washington

  • The rabbits ate the new growth on the tall bearded irises I planted last summer (2002) in spite of the fact that we have an alfalfa field and a native grass lawn nearby with clover and tansy in it. Go figure.

Pat Greathouse, New Mexico

(She reports that this year the rabbits are back being happy in the alfalfa field.)

  • Two years ago (spring 2001) I had a terrible time with rabbits eating my spring bulb leaves. In Spring 2002, I repelled them using mothballs and dog hair. After brushing the dog, I placed the hair among the greens of the bulbs and in the joints of the edgings around the trees. It worked! Our neighbors complained that their lawns were covered with rabbit “evidence”; however, they stayed away from our yard!

Renee Snyder, New Mexico

  • Browser damage (we mainly have rabbits) has occurred with penstemons (all varieties) and germander gnawed to the ground. Even cacti were attacked! In despair, I decided to experiment. I now ring my most susceptible greenery with freshly-used cat litter (renewed every month). I also leave several large plastic plant saucers of fresh water (remember to break the ice in the morning) for them to drink, and last winter had no damage.

Plants not damaged, as a rule, are:

Lavenders Agastache Rosemary Chamisa Sages of all varieties Oregano Thyme Nepeta Broom dalea Russian sage Ratibida (yellow and Mexican Hat) Silver-edged horehound …and evergreen bushes and trees

Pat Spaltro, New Mexico