Deer Resistant Gardening

Deer CRD Resident

2011-11-28T15:28:00.000-08:00

Dear CRD Resident,

Thank you once again for your submission to deermanagement@crd.bc.ca. In the 3 months since opening this dedicated e-mail address we have received nearly 400 responses, which speaks to the depth of public interest in deer management on the South Island. We will consider all feedback that we receive as we move forward.

On November 9, 2011, the CRD Board of Directors directed staff to develop the terms of reference for a Deer Management Plan for the Capital Regional District, a first step toward establishing a plan of action on this matter. Staff are expected to report back to the CRD Board with the Plan’s terms of reference in early 2012.

In developing the terms of reference for the CRD Deer Management Plan, staff have been instructed that the document should consider:

relevant solutions from the region’s in-progress goose management strategy
select relevant deer control measures identified in the B.C. Ministry of Environment’s Hesse Report
scoping the geographic areas where deer management strategies are needed
public engagement strategy and potential for citizen advisory group in Plan development
moving the Deer Management Plan from strategy into action
how partnership arrangements for technical expertise, as well as funding and implementation strategies will be addressed

In the meantime, the deermanagement@crd.bc.ca e-mail address will remain active for the public to continue submitting ideas and opinions on deer management in the CRD.

Further, by December 5^th, 2011, we will make all of the information that we have compiled and referenced to date on deer management available on a dedicated page of the CRD website atwww.crd.bc.ca/deermanagement.

Thank you for your continued interest in this matter.

Darcee Strawson, Administrative Clerk II

Planning and Protective Services | Regional Planning

Capital Regional District | 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2S6

T: 250.360.3195 | F: 250.360.3159 | dstrawson@crd.bc.ca | www.crd.bc.ca

Deer Resistant Spring Bulbs

2011-10-19T11:12:00.001-07:00

There are quite a number of deer resistant Spring bulbs.Her is a sample of some that we have for sale at the store this fall.

Eremurus

For a bold statement in the garden, you can't do better than growing the Eremurus or Foxtail Lily. This statuesque perennial is fully frost hardy, and should be planted in a sunny, warm, sheltered area where they will reward you with their showy foxtail spikes and warm exotic hues.

Muscari

The common Grape Hyacinths appears in many gardens, and is often culled as a weed. The next picture shows how it's amazing naturalizing abilities to it's best potential.

The "Blue River" is a famous display bed at the Keukenhof Gardens in Holland.

The white form is quite lovely

This plumed form is one of the many cultivars that have been bred in recent years.

Here is one of my favorites.

This beauty, "Pink Sunrise", is a new one out this year. I am buying a pkg for myself to try!

Puschkinia

This reliable trouble free bulb, with delicate clusters of white blue striped flowers should be used more.

It is a hardy naturalizer for sun or part shade, and not even the squirrels like them.

Leucojum

Leucojum or Summer Snowflake, is also known as Giant Snowdrop on occasion. It's a wonderful bulb, very pretty, and blooms soon after it's miniature look-alike the much loved snowdrop.

Chinonodoxa

Chinonodoxa, or Glory of the Snow covers the ground in early Spring with a carpet of pink or blue flowers.

They have been known to bloom through the snow which provides the explanation for their common name. This deer resistant bulb is extremely easy to grow, and self seeds, and naturalizes easily.

Fritillaria

There are many species of Fritillaria to chose from all native to the northern hemisphere. We have our own little native species, often called the chocolate, or snakehead lily. The majority come from the Mediterranean, and have a tropical very exotic appearance.

Fritillaria ,persica

Fritillaria, michailvskyi

Fritillaria, meleagris, a look alike for our native species, which is not often found for sale.

Fritillaria, imperialis-rubra, nothing quite looks like this regal flower, but don't plant it for it's fragrance, part of their charm is that the deer think they are stinky too.

Daffodils and Narcissus

And the best known deer resistant Spring bulb of all the glorious and wondrous simple yet well loved Daffodil in all it's forms.

Click this link to see more on Daffodils

Rhodo and Azalea beds

2011-05-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Rhododendrons, or "Rhodo's" are a great Deer resistant plants that grow well in our moderate climate and acid soil. They are from the Heath family so related to other acid lovers such as Heathers, and Blueberries. I am often asked what is the difference between Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Technically Azaleas are Rhododendrons but we usually refer to a decidous species, as well as some evergreen Oriental types as Azaleas. We most often refer to the large leathery leaf types as Rhododendrons.

Rhodos are healthiest in filtered sun, doing best not too shady or too sunny. Deep shade can produce leggy plants that don't bloom well. Hot sun and reflected heat are hard on rhodos too, as are cold winter winds. Rhodos need a well draining soil free from standing water and a good supply of water in hot and cold weather. If the fall is very dry give your Rhodos a good soak after the first frosts. They will handle winter winds much better if they are well hydrated. If you have extreme winds consider spraying them with an anti-dessicant .

Rhodos and Azaleas will thank you for providing not just good soil, but lots of additional organic materials such as compost, leaf mulch, or peat added at planting time. Prepare the beds to a depth of up to 18" for the biggest varieties. They are shallow rooted plants, so if you prepare your beds too deeply they may sink. They are sensitive to being planted too deep. They should be planted to their original soil levels, and benefit from being on a slight berm 2-3" above the surrounding areas. It's a great idea to mulch your beds with bark or leaf mulch. Fertilize in the Spring before and after blooming.

Young Rhodos and Azaleas can be pruned to form a compact plant. The light pruning should be done immediately after blooming. If you leave pruning too late you will cut off next years buds. Older Rhodos need very little pruning unless they are leggy. Prune back to where you can see a leaf node, or green leaves. Prune out dead or broken branches anytime.

When planting a rhodo bed pay special attention to the mature heights and widths the plants will be. Plot out your bed, starting at the back or middle and work large to small making your way toward the edges. Leave at least 18" from the edge of the bed. It is helpful to draw circles of the correct eventual diameter to fit the plants together.

Victoria has a Rhododendron Society if you interested in learning more here is their link.

Victoria Rhodo Society

2011-05-04T15:46:00.001-07:00

Heather and dwarf Conifers are wonderful together, and make the perfect low maintenance Deer resistant duo.

Both are evergreen, and the conifers thrive in the same acidic, peaty soil favored by Heather. Our naturally acid soil makes them easy to grow here. Heathers need a well drained sunny spot that hasn't had too much fertilizer added.

Their shapes work well together, heathers spread out at a uniform level, where many dwarf conifers grow upwards and can be planted among them for vertical accents and colour contrasts. Additionally, you can use the trees as dividers to separate heathers of different types.In the late summer months when many perennials are waning, many of the Callunas are flowering heaviest. The winter blooming Ericas are natural selections for winter color. Erica carnea and E. x darlyensis start forming buds in early summer, that open as early as November in shades of pink, rose or white. These long lasting flowers are colorful all winter

Roughly figure 18" spacing when determining how many plants you will need (sq. ft. x .44 is the formula/ approx 4 Heathers per sq metre) for a large bed. Choose the taller growing varieties for the back or center of the bed and work your way to the edges, keeping in mind that the plants will grow into a solid mass of foliage leaving little bare ground exposed. I usually add one conifer for every 4 square metres. In very large beds you can use up to 20 of a single variety in each grouping. In smaller beds use groups of three or more of each type. Odd numbers work best.

You want contrasting foliage to define each grouping, so choose a gold or other colored foliage variety, then choose a silver, gray or dark green for the next grouping. Flower color is not as important as you may think but offset the mauves with white or light pinks if the plants are to bloom at the same time. Use the winter blooming Erica's' glossy green foliage as a buffer between a lot of Calluna.

When planning a garden of heather, begin by making an outline of your area first. If you're planning a border, start from the back of the bed with the taller plants and work forward; if the bed is to be viewed from all sides, begin your design from the center out. Arrange them until the placement looks right to you.

Other companion plants are: low growing Sedum's, Iberis, Hypericum, Lavender, Sempervivum, Allium, Arabis, Artemisia, Dianthus, Nepeta, Santolina, and Thyme to name a few perennials. Compact Cotoneaster, Vaccinum, Cytisus, grasses, and other leafy shrubs can also be interesting companion plants in a garden of heather.

We are lucky in Victoria to have a local Heather Society. You may view one of their demonstration garden's at Glendale Gardens. Check out their web-site if you would like to learn more.

Vancouver Island Heather Society

Sunny Deer resistant perennial borders

2011-05-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a selection of hardy and easy to grow tried and true deer resistant plant combos. I have chosen 6 combination's that will fill approximately 32 sq ft, or a 4'x8' border. They can be repeated or mixed and matched to create a larger border, just measure your area and divide by 32 to see how many combo's you need. Each combo contains 16, 1 gallon plants that will cost approx $200. The larger size gives you a mature garden much better able to stand a test browse or two while your neighborhood deer learn there are better offerings down the block.
The first three plants go to the back of the border, or in the middle if it's a two sided bed. The single plant is a specimen in front of that, and the others are arranged, by height in front of that. If it's a two sided bed you only need to buy the 13 plants remaining , after you re-use the first three plants that formed the back of the border.

Karl Foerster Calamagrostis x3

Pervoskia x1

Coreopsis yellow x3 (Moonbeam)

Nepeta x3

Salvia x3 (May Night)

Anemone japonica x3

Lupine (Russel Series) x1

Echinacea x3 (lots of exciting new varieties)

Iris x3 (bearded)

Shasta Daisy x3
Sedum Autumn Joy x3 (may be browsed)

Crocosmia Lucifer x3

Calla x1

Aconitum x3 (Monkshood)

Peony x3

Lavender x3

Yarrow ptarmica x3 (one of my new favorite plants)

Aruncnus dioicus x3

Monarda x1

Agapanthus x3

Gaillardia x3

Wallflower (lots to choose from I like Winter Orchid)

Scabiosa x3 (Butterfly Blue)

Joe Pye weed x3

Euphorbia wulfeii x1

Aster x3

Bergenia x3

Veronica gentenoides x3

Dianthus (Firewitch) x3

Foxgloves x3

Oriental Poppy x1

Echinops x3

Liatris x3

Sisyrinchium x3

Stachys x3

Plantskydd Deer Repellant

2011-05-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

I use Plantskydd to protect Urban Oasis Garden Centre, and recommend it for my customers.

Swedish Formula,
MADE IN THE USA
with 100% Natural Ingredients

Plantskydd provides plants with up to 6 months of protection over winter on ornamental shrubs & 3 months on most other succulent broadleaf plants.

Animals avoid plants
before they bite - not after!

What makes Plantskydd effective?

Plantskydd works by emitting an odor that animals associate with predator activity, repelling the animal before it nibbles on plants. The odor is not unpleasant to the applicator.

Research has proven that odor-based repellents are more effective than other repellent systems- where the animal needs to taste treated plants before being repelled. Once animals are attracted to an area and begin feeding, it is more difficult to discourage them from returning. Plantskydd stimulates a fear-based response which will have them looking for somewhere else to dine.

Plantskydd's long-term effectiveness is attributable to the tenacity of its 100% natural, vegetable oil binder in sticking to plants, even under severe snow/rainfall conditions: up to 6 months over winter, 3-4 months in summer.

Plantskydd is RAIN FAST IN 24 HOURS and repels by odor that is not unpleasant to applicators.

Which repellents actually work ?

" ...Studies investigating trends in efficacy of deer repellents indicate that, of the 20 products tested, repellents with active ingredients that emitted sulfurous odors i.e.: bloodmeal or egg solids, generally provided the best results..."

"...Products that contained active ingredients which cause pain/irritation (capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate), or illness (thiram) were less effective..."

"...Products that use a bitter taste (denatonium benzoate) were usually the least effective in reducing damage by herbivores. Repellents that were applied to plant surfaces were generally more effective than capsules or other devices that produced an odor intended to protect a specific area."

for more info check out this Plantskydd link

Scarecrow Motion Activated Sprinkler

2011-04-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Urban Oasis uses the scarecrow to keep deer out of our demonstration beds. We have found them very effective combined with Plantskyd deer spray. They are thrilled to have them on special this week $79.99 regular price $129.99

Protect your yard, fruit trees, vegetables, flowers and water features from hungry or destructive animal intruders. The ScareCrow® motion-activated sprinkler automatically detects deer, raccoons, heron, dogs and more as they approach, and repels them with a short but startling burst of water. The sudden noise, movement and spray scares animals away, teaching them to avoid the area in future.

The ScareCrow:

works day and night without chemicals or unsightly barriers
can be linked to other ScareCrows to form an effective water barrier
conserves water - uses just 2 to 3 cups per deterrence
operates for up to six months on a single nine-volt battery
one scarecrow covers approximately 1300 sq. ft.

Deer Resistant Annuals

2010-11-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Ageratum

Anthirrhinum, Snapdragon

Artemisia

Aster

Begonia

Brachycome, Swan River Daisy

Calendula

Campanula

Chrysanthemum

Centaurea, Cornflower

Cleome, Spider Flower

Clarkia, Godetia

Cosmos

Dahlia

Datura/Brugmansia

Dianthus, Pinks

Dusty Miller

Euryops

Felicia

Gaillardia

Gazania

Geranium

Geranium-scented

Helianthus, Strawflower

Heliotrope

Iopmoea, Moon Flower

Lamium

Lantana

Lobelia

Lobularia martima, Allysum

Marigold

Matthiola, Stocks

Mimulus, Monkey Flower

Marguerite Daisy

Myosotis, Forget Me Not

Nepeta, Creeping Charlie

Nicotiana

Osteospermum, African Daisy

Pennisetum ‘Rubrum’, Red Fountain Grass

Ricinus, Castor Bean Plant

Rudbeckia, Black Eyed Susan

Salvia ‘Victoria Blue’

Scabiosa, Pin Cushion Flower

Scaevola

Senecio, Dusty Miller

Solanum jasminoides, Potatoe Vine

Statice

Verbena

Zinnia

Deer Resistant Vines

2010-11-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Akebia

Celastrus, Bittersweet

Clematis

Lonicera, Honeysuckle

Parthenocissus, Virginia Creeper/Boston Ivy

Polygonum, Silver Lace Vine

Wisteria

Deer Resistant Trees

2010-11-02T16:10:00.000-07:00

Trees with a * will be browsed sometimes

Araucaria araucana, Monkey Puzzle Tree

Cedrus sp., Cedar (true Cedars, Cedrus Deodora etc)

Chamaecyparis, Cypress all (Threadleaf)

Cupressocyparis leylandii , Leylandii Cypress

Juniperus, Juniper

Picea, Spruce

Pinus, Pine

Rhus, Summac

*Thuja plicata, Western Red Cedar*

Deer Resistant Shrubs

2010-11-02T15:35:00.000-07:00

Shrubs with a * will sometimes be browsed sometimes

Abelia

Bamboo

Berberis, Barberry

Buddleia, Butterfly Bush

Buxus, Boxwood

Calluna, Summer Heather

*Ceanothus, California Lilac*

*Choisya ternata, Mexican Orange*

Cistus sp., Rock Roses

Cortaderia selloana, Pampas Grass

Cotinus, Smoke Bush

Daphne

Elaeagnus, Silverberry

Erica, Winter Heather

*Ferns (not all)*

Forsythia

Gaultheria, Salal

Genista, Broom

Gunnera

Hamamelis, Witch Hazel

Hypericum, St John's Wort

Ilex sp, Holly

Jasmine nudiflorum, Winter Jasmine

Juniperus, Juniper

Kerria japonica, Kerria

Lavatera

*Leucothoe, Rainbow Shrub*

Mahonia sp, Oregon Grape

Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo

Pachysandra, Japanese Spurge

Phormium, New Zealand Flax

Picea, Spruce

Pieris, Lily of the Valley Shrub

Pinus, Pine

Potentilla

Pyracantha, Firethorn

*Rhododendron*

*Ribes, Flowering Currant*

Rhus, Summac

Rosmarinus, Rosemary

Sarcococca, Sweetbox

Senecio greyii, Senecio

Spiraea

Symphicarpos, Snowberry

Syringa sp., Lilac

Vaccinium sp, Huckleberry

*Viburnum davidii*

Yucca

Deer Resistant Perennials

2009-07-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Perennials

Acanthus mollis -Bears Breech

Helleborus -Christmas & Lenten Rose

Achillea -Yarrow

Iberis sempervirens -Candytuft

Aconitum -Monkshood

Iris

Agapanthus -African Lily

Lychnis coronaria -Rose campion

Ajuga

Kniphofia -Red-hot Poker

Alchemilla -Monkshood

Lamium

Anemone -Windflower

Lavendula -Lavender

Aquilegia -Columbine

Linaria -Toadflax

Arabis -Rock Cress

Lirope -Lily Turf

Armeria -Thrift

Lychnis -Rose Champion

Artemesia -Wormwood

Monarda -Beebalm

Asarum -Wild Ginger

Myosotis -For-get-me-not

Aster

Nepeta -Catmint

Astilbe

Pachysandra -Japanese Spurge

Aubretia -Rock Cress

Paeonia -Peony

Bergenia cordifolia -Berginia

Papaver -Poppy

Campanula -Canterberry Bells

Penstemon

Cerastium tomentosum -Snow-in-Summer

Perovskia -Russian Sage

Cheiranthus -Wallflower

Phlox sublata -Creeping Flox

Convallaria -Lily-of-the-Valley

Polemonium -Jacob’s Ladder

Coreopsis -Tickweed

Rheum -Ornamental Rhubarb

Cornus Canadensis -Bunchberry

Rudbeckia -Black-eyed Susan

Crocosmia -Montbretia

Salvia -Sage

Chrysanthemum -Garden Mum, Shasta Daisy

Santolina -Lavender Cotton

Cyclamen

Saponaria -Soapwort

Delphinium

Scabiosa

Dianthus -Pinks

Sedum -Stonecrop

Dicentra -Bleeding Hearts

Sempervivum -Hens and Chicks

Digitalis -Foxgloves

Solidago -Goldenrod

Echinacea -Coneflower

Stachys -Lamb’s Ears

Echinops -Globe Thistle

Sisyrinchium -Blue-eyed Grass

Epimeium -Barrenwort

Thalictrum -Meadow Rue

Erigeron -Fleabane

Tiarella -Foam Flower

Euphorbia -Wood Spurge

Thymus -Thyme

Flipendula -Meadowsweet

Tradescantia -Spiderwort

Fragaria -Wild Strawberry

Verbascum -Mullein

Gallardia -Blanket Flower

Verbena

Galium -Sweet Woodruff

Veronica -Speedwell

Gentiana -Gentian

Vinca -Periwinkle

Geum

Viola odorata -Sweet Violet

Geranium - Hardy Geranium

Zantedeschia -Calla Lily

Daffodils

2008-04-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

As a kid I always loved Daffodils, as an adult they were so common place, I lost the wonder they evoked. You must admit a bloom doesn't get much more exotic. In more recent years, I have re-kindled my affection for them.

It started with receiving a crate of 300 destined for the garbage at seasons end where I worked. They were more than a little tired after a season of sitting on the shelf, where the inventory hadn't sold through. I planted them along my driveway, and they far exceeded any expectation I had for them.

They were a mixed assortment to begin with, filled out with odds, and ends that were leftover of the new, or more exotic varieties. I was delighted as each new flower emerged, I ended up with 32 different varieties, each a thing of beauty in it's own way. Like a class of kindergartners, or a litter of kittens, all a little different, and all as cute as they are individual.

The real beauty of Daffodils aside from the explosion of new forms, is that they are reliably deer resistant. In recent years this has become increasingly important.

These are a few of them blooming in my garden. These are early bloomers, the later flowering ones are still backstage waiting their turn to shine. If you plant a succession of early, mid, and late varieties you can extend the show over a couple of months. I am still looking forward to a few of my favorites.

Deer Proofing

2007-12-20T14:40:00.001-08:00

Deer Proofing is only achieved with an effective deer fence, or perhaps a dog. This isn't always an option, or the desired aesthetic you’re looking for on your property. There are many things you can do. The first thing you need to understand is that deer are individuals, and individual deer or regions of deer have adapted to there environ in many ways. What might send a wild deer into a frenzy of panic may not get an eye blink with an urban deer. The urban deer is much different than his wild, rural, or even suburban cohorts. I have a couple deer stories to share, that I think illustrate my point. I hiked in the wilderness one summer, and unimaginably came nose to nose with an Elk. It's was definitely not a deer, I can attest it is a bigger animal, but for the stories sake, I will say same difference. The two of us locked eyes frozen in mortal panic, both afraid to move. It felt like a long time, long enough to wonder ...haven't I heard somewhere eye contact may be the absolutely the wrong thing, I didn't want to pick a fight! I tried to look behind myself for my hiking partner without turning, and croak a calm, um, umm....ELK. This broke our eye lock, and the terrified animal crashed down the mountainside, shaking the ground I stood on as it fled. It was exponentially more afraid of me. Thank Goodness, we were no match, I thought I was scared enough for both of us. This is my experience with wild deer. My urban deer experiences, much different. Some of the Gulf Islands are extremely over populated by deer, and they barley react to the sights, sounds, and smells, of the local human population. I was trudging through the area on a rainy day, and we came across a number of deer tucked in under the trees for shelter. They looked at us, but it was more of a plea, "it's wet, I don't want to move, your not going to be annoying, are you?" I tested how close I could get, I caved in our game of chicken first, having some respect for hooves, even if though these deer were small and seemed docile enough. I opted to jump up and down and yell like a lunatic, to see the reaction. I got one ear swivel, and maybe, maybe detected a note of veiled interest to my odd behavior. These deer would not be deterred by bits, and bobs of human hair tied in the trees, nope, not a chance. They weren't even bothered by my dog, they seemed to know all about leashes, and leashed dogs. I have heard all sorts of deer stories over the years, one of my co-workers tells a great one. She was struggling through a gate with a massive load of fruit tree prunings, and felt herself caught up. She assumed she was wedged in the gate opening, but was shocked to discover she was in fact having a tug o war with a deer. The deer was trying to save itself the trip to the compost area, and helping itself to her armload of branches. I am pretty sure a scare crow, or pie plates on string would not phase this deer. Apparently the family cat could run off this deer however, so go figure. I have put together a list of deer proofing suggestions, check the link on the right.

Please add your comments, stories, or suggestions.

Sandra

deer repellants 101

2007-12-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Deer repellants fall into a number of categories, depending on which senses they are offending. Deer have a very strong sense of smell, disliking strong fragrance, and predator evidence. Predator evidence can be the smell of the predator as in the case of synthetic or collected musks or urines, or the kill. Carrion type repellants can have a benefit, when you use fertilizers for the effect. These would include bone, meat, or blood meal products, ground chicken feathers, fishmeal’s, and sludge products such as Milorganite.
The second category of repellants assaults the sense of taste. They are bitter, soapy, spicy, or plain yucky, as in the case of rotten milk or eggs. A combination of these tastes applied with an anti-transpirant to help them last works best, and achieves even coverage .
Check out the links for recipe's, and products.
Do you have a story, or recipe that has worked, please reply to comments, I would love to post it here.

Those deer!

2007-12-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

Dealing with deer in our garden's has become the biggest challenge for many gardeners. It may be the top question I am asked at the garden centre, "what can I plant that is deer proof". Sadly, the answer has to be, there is no such thing as deer proof. I can suggest some deer resistant plants, and deer proofing suggestions. The second question I hear is how can I deer proof without building a fence......hmmmm, I will leave you to connect the dots in this pattern. The same statement holds true for the "deer proofing", very little works everytime. I hope to explore and exchange ideas, and stories about deer, and other wildlife in our gardens on this blog.