My sister recently moved into her dream home, a beautiful property nestled in a wooded area. She was so excited to start landscaping her backyard, especially by the screen porch where she wanted to create a cozy, inviting space for a housewarming party we were hosting the next day. She spent the entire day loading up the bed with her favorite plants—hydrangeas and hostas—working hard to get it all done on her own. She was so proud that she hadn’t needed any help from her landscape designing sister (me!), and I have to admit, she did an amazing job.
That night, she sent me pictures, showing off her beautifully designed bed, and I couldn’t wait to see it in person. But the next morning? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t quite the same. She woke up to find her hydrangeas reduced to little stubs and absolutely no sign of the hostas. The deer had come in the night and turned her labor of love into a midnight buffet.
It’s a story I’ve heard time and time again from homeowners in deer-heavy areas. You put in all the effort to create a beautiful garden, only to have it devoured overnight. But there are ways to keep your landscape intact, even in deer-prone regions. Here are 7 strategies I have used time and time again to design a landscape that isnt decimated by deer.
1. Choose Deer-Resistant Plants
The first step in designing a deer-resistant landscape is selecting plants that deer are less likely to munch on. While no plant is completely deer-proof, certain varieties are less appetizing to them. Plants with strong scents, tough textures, or fuzzy leaves tend to deter deer. Some of my favorite deer-resistant plants include:
- Lavender: The strong fragrance and silvery foliage make it a beautiful choice that deer avoid.
- Boxwood: This evergreen shrub is hardy and a great option for structured garden design.
- Ornamental Grasses: Deer typically steer clear of grasses like Miscanthus or fountain grass. The way they sway in the breeze has a tendency to scare them off.
- Herbs: Rosemary, sage, and thyme are great additions that not only repel deer but can be used in your cooking as well!
2. Focus on Plant Texture and Scent
Deer tend to avoid plants with certain textures or strong scents. You can layer plants with rough, spiny, or hairy textures in areas where deer tend to wander. Juniper make a great low growing barrier in front of more appetizing plants, like hydrangea. Consider fragrant herbs like mint or marigolds to enhance your landscape’s aroma while keeping deer at bay.
3. Strategic Planting
Creating a landscape that subtly deters deer can be done with strategic plant placement. Plant your most vulnerable species closer to your home or inside fenced areas, while surrounding them with a "barrier" of deer-resistant plants. This natural shield can protect the more appealing plants behind it.
Another option is interplanting deer-resistant varieties with more vulnerable plants. The combination makes it harder for deer to single out their favorites and if the deer do happen to graze as they go by, it will be much less noticeable if their meal is surrounded by untouched plants.
4. Avoid Planting Deer Attractants
Some plants are simply too tempting for deer, like tender foliage, fruits, and flowers. If you must include these, limit them to places that are harder for deer to access. Additionally, avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, which promotes lush growth that attracts deer.
5. Use Physical Barriers
For high-deer traffic areas, consider incorporating fencing, stone walls, or hedges to physically block access. One of my clients had an area she called the Deer Super Highway. At first I thought she was being overdramatic, but by the end of our first one hour consultation I had seen two families of deer and a family of fox take the Super Highway to the neighbors property! A tall fence (about 8 feet) is the most effective barrier, but if that’s not possible, low walls or densely planted hedges can also help. Two short fences places about five feet apart can be effective too. If the deer are unable to see where they can land clearly, they usually won't make the leap into that area. 6. Add Movement and Sound
Deer are naturally skittish and avoid unexpected sounds and movement. Consider adding wind chimes, flags, or even reflective objects to your garden to scare them away. These elements not only add character to your landscape but also help keep the deer at a distance.
7. Opt for Stone Mulch or Deer-Resistant Groundcovers
Deer don’t love walking on rocky surfaces, so using stone mulch around vulnerable plants can act as a deterrent. Additionally, low-growing, dense ground covers like creeping thyme or juniper create a barrier that deer will find unappealing.
My Favorite Deer-Resistant Plants
For those of you looking to implement some of these tips, I’ve put together a graphic of my favorite deer-resistant plants that not only add beauty to your garden but also help keep it safe from wandering wildlife.
Here are a few that I highly recommend:
- Lavender
- Boxwood
- Miscanthus Grass
- Rosemary
- Creeping Juniper
- Catmint
- Russian Sage
While deer can be a challenge, designing a deer-resistant landscape is possible. By choosing the right plants, strategically placing them, and incorporating barriers, you can create a stunning garden that deters deer naturally. If you need help designing your deer-resistant landscape, feel free to reach out to me for a consultation!