From our perspective rooted in the soil, we feel the tremors of heavy footsteps and sense the looming shadow of a hungry mouth. To protect our delicate canes and prized blossoms, we require a multi-layered strategy that addresses the senses and instincts of our adversaries. Here is how you can help us thrive.
Our first line of defense is to make ourselves utterly unpalatable. Deer, in particular, rely heavily on their sense of smell to judge food. You can create a perimeter and coat our leaves with repellents that smell like danger or decay. Commercial or homemade sprays using putrid egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin from hot peppers are effective. These must be reapplied faithfully, especially after rain or heavy dew, as our fragrance and your protection can wash away. Planting strongly-scented companions like lavender, sage, or catmint around our beds can also help mask our sweet aroma.
When deterrence fails, a physical obstacle is the most reliable method. For deer, this means a tall fence. Their agility is remarkable, so a barrier must be at least 8 feet high to prevent them from jumping over. For smaller pests like rabbits, a shorter fence buried several inches into the ground will stop them from burrowing underneath. For individual specimens, especially young, vulnerable plants, a cylinder of hardware cloth or sturdy mesh placed around us can protect our tender bark from gnawing throughout the winter months.
You can employ tactics that exploit their skittish nature. Motion-activated sprinklers are excellent, as a sudden burst of water mimics a predator's attack and teaches them to avoid the area. Hanging shiny, reflective objects like old CDs or metallic tape in our branches creates unpredictable light flashes and movement that can spook them. Even a radio left on talk radio intermittently can suggest a human presence. Remember to move these devices around periodically, as pests are clever and will eventually grow accustomed to a stationary threat.
Do not make the approach to our beds comfortable. Laying down a thick, rough mulch of sharp-edged gravel, eggshells, or prickly holly clippings around our base creates an unpleasant walking surface that deters smaller mammals like voles and rabbits. This layer also helps conserve our moisture and regulate soil temperature, serving a dual purpose. Ensuring the garden is free of tall grass and debris removes hiding spots for rodents and insects that might seek to harm our roots or leaves under cover.
We do not wish to stand alone. Integrate us with other plants that are known to be naturally repellent. As mentioned, aromatic herbs are powerful allies. You can also consider planting a sacrificial border of vegetation that deer prefer over us, such as hostas or daylilies, to draw their attention away from our precious buds. Furthermore, encouraging a healthy ecosystem of beneficial insects by planting nectar-rich flowers like yarrow or daisies will bring in predators that naturally control aphid and mite populations that stress us.
