DEER

It is not even near spring and I'm already having to try and out smart the deer. They have decided to feed on my daylilies under my balcony. I've covered them deep with snow twice and this am. find them dug out again. We have lived here for 9 years and last spring was the first time I have had my tulips devoured.
I hate to think I will have very few tulip blooms in the spring.

Lynn

So sorry you are having trouble with Deer, Lynn. They can be devastating to a garden. We are fortunate enough to have a small enough lot that our entire yard is Deer fenced. We have a lot of problems with them here too. I know that isn't an option for you as you have way to much land you'd have to fence. Good Luck, and I hope they left you with enough blooms for a lovely Spring.

Don

Didn't you used to be in Fairview, DonM47? Did you take that pic in your yard there?

Lynn, your daylilies should be fine. I don't think it hurts them to get eaten now at this time of year. By next sprng they will never know they were nibbled. You aren't growing all evergreens in zone 4 are you? I have the deer cruising through here quite often too. I'm more worried about my trees and shrubs. Already found damage from some critters under my perennials. Found some dianthus plants that aren't connected to their roots anymore. Lilies aren't far away, so guess they will be next. grrr

Thanks Don. I really do love deer I just wish they would find something else to eat. Last night the tracks are with in 5 feet of my door way.

Not worried about the daylilies, Brenda only the deer, liking the room and board and not moving on.

This picture was taken at a friends house and that littles guys playmates and protectors are 2 rottweiler crosses.

Lynn

Can we assume that she doesn't grow a deer salad bar like you do? How cute! I like them too, when they aren't in my garden.

Great picture, Lynn. Gotta love a little Bambi :)

Yes, I did live in Fairview, Echos, but we recently moved (last week, in fact) due to an employment opportunity. We like it very much here although I did lose a couple zones. We are a little farther south, right on the Washington border, but at a high elevation, 748 meters which makes for less frost free days(wks). But the garden already here is quite lovely and I brought a few of my favourites, such as Rhodos, HT's and Magnolias, among others, and I hope they will do ok. Time will tell...

Don

Bummer, DonM47 to lose zonage, but your still in a lovely place. So where did your deer come from, new place or old, or is that in a park? It's a lovely wildlife shot.

Yes, nice shot, Don and congratulations on your move. Did you have time to get the trees and shrubs planted that you brought with you?

Lynn, those deer are cute, but they can be so destructive, eh? Do you have a dog? Ours does a great job of keeping the deer away, otherwise I know I'd be on edge all the time thinking they're after my 'tasty' hostas!

Sandy

Yes, I did mange to get a few perennials and shrubs planted before the ground froze and this last snow event happened. Mulched good enough I hope, and covered some tender ones. Fingers crossed.

I got that deer photo from one of the Boundary area websites. No spotting here yet. Too bad though, I'd love to see the wildlife that "they" say is so abundant here.

Don

Just to get on the page about deer. I HATE THEM WHEN THEY GET IN THE GARDEN. Otherwise they are wonderful to watch along the forest edges. My garden was so limited and small and often dead from the little critters before I fenced in. These are my visitors on the other side of the fence. Elk.

Beautiful photo, Soferdig. You should have entered that one in the Photo Contest for Wildlife. Elk are so majestic!

Don

We have over 200 elk as neighbors to the garden. They are my favorite neighbors. I especiall enjoy the babies when they are born in May. Very cute. This is the lead bull with his harem. Look at the other boys look on with envy.

hey all,
I have found a hunk of Irish Spring soap tied to a stick nose high repels deer very well....awesome deer pics by the way

Thanks for the info. Will certainly try that, or no tulips.

I have tried most the tricks and they work for a while (until the deer get used to each one and then time for a new one). The only long term solution is electric fencing or just plain fencing but it has to be high.

Ken

Amen Ken. I have tried soap, urine, animal hides, rotten eggs, human hair, Deer off, etc, etc, and only an eight foot fence did it. All around the 3 acres. Much work but well worth it. They now look in.