I read an interesting article recently in the Society of Garden Designers Journal about deer. When we think of deer most of us think how mysterious, shy and cute they are but not for those who are plagued with the damage they can inflict on our precious gardens.
To keep these wonderful yet destructive creatures out whether you are designing or maintaining a garden consider building a fence around the entire perimeter of at least 1.5m in height. Deer are athletic jumpers but it is better to err on the side of caution and opt for 1.9m as this will keep the most energetic out. You can have mesh but the sections need to be no bigger than 75mm x 75mm. Don’t stop there though, the bottom of the fence deer can slither under or even tunnel under! Wire needs to be taut, made of a strong material such as high-tensile steel, or have boards nailed along the bottom or a row of bricks under the fence and don’t forget the gate.
If you are thinking of planting resistant plants try Berberis, Ilex, established Laurel, Buxus, Euphorbia and Narcissus. Plants that are favoured by deer are Geraniums, Bergenia, Acuba and Hostas, although they do tend to nibble the Hosta and simply spit it out!
So if you are lucky or unlucky enough to have deer and want to keep them out of the garden don’t just rely on one method think of a few – have a strategy because they will outwit you!!