sumptu o us garden
Oh Deer! by Rob Bond In a perfect world, deer would fleet-foot though our gardens creating a look. They might nap or dine on treats set out by kindly gardeners. But not our plants; they wouldn’t snarf them. Nor would they overpopulate, in spite of nimble bambis prancing hither and thither. Yes, yes, in that perfect world.
rainfall or watering. An egg, stirred into a gallon of water and allowed to ferment to its full stinky potential, is one way. Of course, the deer won’t be the only ones staying clear of your stinkaroo garden, but it’s one way to a bambi-free landscape. Rob Bond (pictured) is an independent garden designer. Like a Pacific Northwest Johnny Appleseed, he spreads his knowledge and passion around the Saanich Peninsula. Contact him at rob.bond.design@ gmail.com. Photo of Rob courtesy Jeremy Ferguson; deer pic courtesy Carol Clemens.
But, in this pathologically imperfect world, we have a love-hate relationship with these resilient mammals. We adore them until they come snacking: chomp! The solution lies in designing your garden to discourage deer. For starters, create uninviting entryways; a closed gate goes a long way. Close off garden views with a high hedge or privacy fence. This can cost: it takes a six-foot-high barrier to discourage deer. If they’re hungry, you have to go to eight. If gates, hedges and fences are out, make your garden deer-resistant. Use xeriscape or minimalwater landscaping techniques. Deer love juicy leaves with high moisture content but aren’t fond of the drought-resistant plants of the xeriscape garden. With our long, dry summers, this is a natural. You’ll find many deer-resistant plants at local garden stores, but deer don’t read the manuals: if they’re starving, they’ll eat plants they’d shun in fatter times. What makes a plant deer resistant? A strong scent like Mexican orange leaf, or leathery leaves like those of the rhododendron. Thorny stems and leaves like barberry (roses don’t count, since the juicy leaves can be torn away from the thorny stems), or fuzzy leaves like lamb’s ears.
Arbutus and strawberry trees are safe because of their height. Caging them when they’re young protects them until they’re safely out of reach. You can also try deer repellents. There are many varieties, but you must apply them frequently and after every SEASIDE TIMES
www.seasidetimes.ca
may 2011
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