A deer grazing on dandelions.
There are more deer per square mile than ever before in our area. This season, they have even sampled a few native plants at my back stoop! Garlic clips attached to a bamboo stake stopped this invasion, and the native Rubus odoratus (Flowering raspberry) and Porteranthus tridentata (Bowman’s root) have sprouted new growth, albeit shorter than usual.
This reminds me of an article that our office manager, Nancy Altman passed on to me from All Animals magazine:
https://www.humanesociety.org/news/deer-eat-my-garden-and-it-flourishes.
This describes how deer sampling (in spring, however) actually is like pinching the plant to encourage more blooming stems.
For true protection of hostas, daylilies, phlox, and the like, we recommend our deer repellent spray program. A solution of putrified egg, garlic, and hot pepper is sprayed on these plants every few weeks to discourage browsing. It must be renewed after periods of rain to be completely effective. Please contact our Plant Health Care Manager, Reese Crotteau, to arrange for this service <reese@pumpkinbrookorganicgardening.com>
Some of our clients are using multiple strategies like those above this season with a fair amount of success!
