I recently moved to Tennessee from California and I'm amazed by the wildlife here! But I'm facing a dilemma: I want to have a beautiful landscaped garden, yet I also want to keep all the local critters like deer, rabbits, and groundhogs from munching on my plants. I started planting some Dahlias, Hollyhocks, Bearded Irises, and a small rosebush, but I found them nibbled on! Is there a way to enjoy watching these animals while keeping them away from my flowers and shrubs? I'm curious if products like "Liquid Fence" really work or if I should consider other options. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
If you want to keep the animals at bay, consider planting things that they don't usually go for. It's simple but effective! Building a selection of deer-resistant plants is key. I planted a bunch of fruit trees for them, which they love, and I cover my veggies with netting. Congrats on your new place and embracing your wild neighbors!
Try focusing on deer-resistant plants that can still beautify your landscape! There's a small selection, but it’s doable. I’d only recommend using "Liquid Fence" on a couple of beloved plants rather than the whole garden. And remember to mix in some native plants; they help strengthen the ecosystem. Check out Rutgers’ list on deer-resistant landscaping for good options! It’s all about finding the right balance so that those critters might nibble on other things instead.
You’ve really got the perfect buffet for all those critters! Honestly, keeping them out might be tricky. While "Liquid Fence" is supposed to deter them with taste and scent, it only works for a little while before they get used to it. Plus, it gets washed away easily. If you want to enjoy the wildlife but keep them off your garden, you might want to consider planting some native flora behind your house. This way, they might stick to those plants instead of your precious flowers! Also, just maybe enjoy watching them visit your yard with a camera instead of a fence.
Thanks for the realistic advice! I figured the critters would just be back to munching after a while. I’ll look into planting some native plants near the woods!
Thanks a lot! I never thought about netting for my veggies, that sounds like a good idea!