Naturally Deer Resistant

Problems with Deer? You’re not alone. Across Canada, the number one gardening issue is four-legged and able to clear fences eight feet high. Spring can be especially challenging because deer have an appetite for the tender greens and beautiful blooms we adore. The best strategy is to plant varieties that deer naturally avoid.

There are oodles of options, but here are a few of our favourites this season.

Narcissus Exotic Mystery (Split Corona Narcissus)

 

Narcissus are essential in the deer-resistant garden and Exotic Mystery is guaranteed to turn heads. Its striking appearance, with slightly reflexed outer petals and ruffled split cup, is like no other daffodil. The blooms emerge in shades of green and transition into pale lemon yellow in mid to late spring. It is the closest you’ll get to a green narcissus. Cut a few stems to enjoy indoors, Exotic Mystery offers multiple blooms and a delightfully sweet fragrance.

 

Fritillaria Meleagris (Guinea Hen Flower)

Hatch up some fun in the garden along with those mid to late-spring daffodils. Fritillaria Meleagris is also known as Guinea Hen Flowers. Nodding, square bell-shaped flowers appear on slender silvery green grass-like foliage, sometimes in pairs. The flowers have the most intricate checkered pattern of maroon and creamy white. They may appear dainty but these bulbs are extremely hardy and easily grown in rich, moist, well-draining soils. Plant them in drifts under shrubs, weave them in amongst spring perennials, or enjoy them in containers where you can see them up close.

 

 

 

 

 

Allium schubertii (Ornamental Onion)

 

Alliums are impressive focal points in the spring garden, and Schubertii is one showy sparkler. Incredibly huge airy flower heads can measure up to 12” across. Some of the small rosy-purple star-like flowers are gathered in close and others bloom at the ends of long stalks giving the appearance of fireworks. This allium is easy to grow, plant the bulb in a permanent location with well-draining soil and full sun. Let it lie dormant when it has finished flowering and you’ll be rewarded with next season’s blooms. Schubertii forms spectacular seed heads which dry beautifully. Spray-painted or not, they can make a great tree topper at Christmas.