I have a brick planter right outside my house, which is along a busy street with a lot of foot traffic. Every year, I try to grow four or five flowering plants, but someone keeps stealing them. My wife is pretty accepting of the situation, but leaving the planter empty isn't an attractive option. I'm looking for ways to deter thieves or perhaps some small flowering plants that have a lot of thorns. We live in Maine, so cacti probably aren't a viable choice. I'm hoping for something that looks nice and colorful!
3 Answers
You might want to consider planting something thorny to deter thieves. Plants like drift rose or barberry could be good options. Just make sure to check if the barberry is invasive in your area. You could also look for plants that spread out, so even if some get stolen, you'll still have color in your planter!
If you're really serious about keeping them away, putting up a camera or a sign saying you’re watching might help. I read that even just having a sign can deter some people. As a bonus, you could consider planting something like poison ivy—just be careful handling it!
Gooseberries could be a nice option too! They have thorns and produce berries, so you'll have both beauty and some food security. Even if someone takes a few, the plant generally holds its ground.