Preparing a Deer Tolerant Hummingbird Garden

Plant the image of Bambi traipsing through a gardenunremarkable as possible to avoid attracting
in the minds of most suburbanites and they'll coo withpredators so they avoid getting close to heavy
pleasure at the thought of Mother Nature gracingscents which may rub off and expose them.
them with her presence. Mention deer to a gardener,If keeping deer entirely at bay isn't your objective,
however, and you'll often get a decidedly differentthere are some methods that will still give you a
reaction.chance at seeing them at the edges of your garden
As cute as they may be, deer hold a place rightwithout having to sacrifice hummingbird attracting
alongside moles, rabbits and grubs in the minds ofplants to their insatiable appetites. Using any of the
those who invest hours in planting a beautiful garden.scented methods above in moderation but only near
The word deer might as well be an acronym forplants you want to protect is one option.
Destructive Entity Eating Rabidly. If you plant it, theyConsider placing more desirable plants at the
will come. If you plant it with the intent of luringperimeter of your garden and keep your hummingbird
something benign, they'll come even faster. Whatflowers closer in to your home. Some plants for
appeals to one critter often appeals to another whichwhich deer have a high preference include, Indian
is the crux of the dilemma for those who wish toHawthorn, English Ivy, Hosta and Hydrangea.
attract hummingbirds.Some sprays such as hot pepper applied to the
The good news is that there are solutions which willleaves of plants you are trying to protect have also
help you selectively lure one cute critter without thebeen shown to be effective. Remember, though, to
other. The only thing you have to decide is exactlyavoid spraying the flowers on your hummingbird
how far away you'd like Bambi to stay.friendly plants or you'll deter the very creature you
If you'd be happy never to see a deer in yourare trying to attract.
hummingbird garden again, the best insurance is aFinally, choose deer-tolerant flowers which
fence. Anything lower than 8 feet tall may act as ahummingbirds enjoy but deer only dine on when
deterrent but wont guarantee a motivated deerstressed by loss of habitat or starvation. There are a
won't hop over. Slat fences will certainly do the trickfew varieties that still appeal to hummingbirds but
if you don't mind a very obvious boundary.which represent less of an invitation to a deer's
Alternatively, polypropylene mesh fences blend intoremarkably undiscerning palate listed below.
the background and cost substantially less.Perennials
Other options to deter deer include predator or evenBee Balm
human urine deposited around the perimeter of yourCardinal Flower
garden. The drawback to this method is the need forDahlia
constant (weekly) reapplication. The bigger yourAnnuals
garden, the less convenient this option becomes.Flowering Tobacco
Some gardeners report that human hair contained inVines
nylon stockings and strategically placed around theCardinal Climber
garden has been reported to deter deer. Likewise,Ultimately, remember that deer-tolerant is the same
heavily scented soaps either sliced in slivers or hungas water-resistant. It isn't a guarantee. When
still in the box near plants you want to protectstressed, starving, desperate or diseased, deer can
reportedly do a good job. Recommended brandsand will eat just about any non-poisonous plant to
include Irish Spring, Zest and Dial. Finally, dryer sheetsget by. If you want the ultimate protection against
such as Bounce smell unpleasant to deer. Thethem, the answer to your prayers was mentioned
concept derives from a deer's desire to remain asearly on. Invest in a fence.