The specialists of Bloom Garden Design are committed to helping you create environmentally responsible landscapes.

GARDEN TIPS

How to deer proof your garden

Tread Lightly in your Garden
Many of my customers are interested in landscape designs that will be less energy intensive to maintain and better for the environment. The following tips can help plants to thrive, reduce water consumption, and minimize infestation of pests and diseases.

• get a big barking dog
• fence your garden with a 6 ft tall fence
• plant prickly poisons plants
• hang strange shining objects on your plants
• cover plants over night with sheets
• activate your sprinkler system or outdoor lights with motion sensor
• sleep outside with your favorite plants
• plant sacrificial offerings such as kale, lettuce or calendula on the outside perimeter of the garden.

Happy Gardening.

Deer proofing

Some pests come in bigger sizes.
Deer are common intruders in North American gardens. Their natural habitat is shrinking and they have fewer and fewer natural predators. A newly planted garden is like an all you can eat salad bar for these curious animals. Some plants are more attractive for deer to eat than others. Sticking to deer resistant plants is one way to prevent damage.

Another even more effective protection is a fence. Keep in mind that the fence has to be at least 6 ft high to be effective. Many people choose not to build such a high fence, but it might be the only way to grow a vegetable garden successfully (unless you have a dog that will bark to keep any animal away from your property). Covering tender plants with bright cloth or hanging some shimmering material might help to keep deer away. Some gardeners use cayenne-based repellents, hand soaps or sheep wool bundles. Often these precautions fail, especially in the early spring when animals are hungry and less cautious. When you find familiar droppings, imprints of small hoofs and branches that look like they have been clipped with sheers, then it is time to protect your garden.

Landscape Designer and Horticulturist

Viktorie Hladik

List of past newsletter issues:

..... Using Natural elements.....

..... edible gardens .....

..... pests and diseases .....

..... foliage annuals .....

..... winter damage .....

..... edging beds .....

..... palace gardens .....

..... formal hedge .....

..... small trees .....

..... private garden .....

..... ground covers ......

..... house plants .....

..... conifers .....

..... winter preparation .....

..... garden year-round....

..... starting your landscape job .....

..... shade garden ......

..... landscape lights .....

..... designing your entrance .....

..... building a retaining wall .....

..... garden features .....

..... winter gardens .....