It’s time to start planting spring bulbs and preparing gardens and flower beds for another year of growth. Oregon is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, which can often pose a challenge for gardeners. Deer can cause significant damage to gardens, eating plants and leaving behind a trail of destruction. However, with the right approach, creating a beautiful, deer-resistant garden that is easy to maintain is possible.
Easy tips for establishing a deer-resistant garden in your landscape:
Easy tips for establishing a deer-resistant garden in your landscape:Choose deer-resistant plants.
When selecting plants for your garden, it is essential to choose ones that are naturally deer-resistant. This will help to reduce the risk of damage to your garden. Some examples of deer-resistant plants include lavender, thyme, rosemary, salvia, and yarrow. These plants have strong scents or bitter tastes that deer typically avoid. Other deer-resistant plants well-suited for Oregon gardens include daffodils, lilies, hosta, columbine, lupine, and poppies. Our team at Hilton Landscape Supply can help you find deer-resistant plants that will look perfect in your landscape.
Consider plant height and spacing.
This is a simple trick that most people don’t think about. The layout of your garden can also impact its deer resistance. By planting taller plants towards the back of the garden and shorter plants towards the front, you can create a visually appealing garden that also makes it harder for deer to access the plants in the back.
Install fencing.
While it doesn’t solve all issues, fencing can effectively keep deer out of your garden. Deer can leap many fences, and the best type depends on the environment near your home. If you live in a very rural location, the easiest solution may be to choose a sturdy wire fence that is at least 8 feet tall. However, if you live in a more suburban area near green spaces with wildlife, a solid wood fence will usually do the trick as they prefer not to leap into a place they can’t see. Deer have a keen sense of smell, so applying a deer repellent to the fence can help keep them away.
Use deer repellents.
There are several natural deer repellents available that can help deter deer from your garden. These include garlic or pepper sprays, human hair, and soap bars hung in trees or nearby plants. These repellents can be applied directly to plants or sprayed around the perimeter of your garden. Alternatively, you can also purchase commercial deer repellents from your local garden center.
Build raised beds.
Raised beds can make it more difficult for deer to access your plants, especially if you build them at least 3 feet high. They can also help improve drainage and soil quality, which can benefit your plants. When designing your raised bed, consider the layout and placement of your plants to ensure optimal growth. Our team at Hilton Landscape Supply can help you plan a raised bed for your yard and assist you with selecting all the materials you need to construct it. We’ll even deliver all the materials to your home to make it easier for you!
Water and fertilize regularly.
Regular watering and fertilization can help plants grow strong and healthy, making them more resistant to deer damage. Water your plants deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. Additionally, applying a balanced fertilizer to your plants can help them develop strong roots and resist damage from deer.
Rotate your plants.
Rotating your plants can help prevent deer from becoming too familiar with your garden and the plants in it. This involves planting different crops in different locations each year. By doing so, you can help disrupt deer’s feeding patterns and reduce the risk of damage to your plants.
A beautiful, deer-resistant garden starts at Hilton Landscape Supply.
Planting a deer-resistant, easy-to-maintain garden in Oregon can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to create a beautiful and functional garden that can withstand deer damage. By choosing deer-resistant plants, considering plant height and spacing, installing fencing, adding repellents, using raised beds, watering and fertilizing regularly, and rotating your crops, you can help to reduce the risk of damage to your garden and create a thriving outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come. Stop by Hilton Landscape Supply today for more tips and to find everything you need for a beautiful yard and garden.