Deer proof annuals & perennials

My garden backs up to the Pinelands preserve and it is full  of hundreds of daylilys — most of which I dug up from my Maplewood and brought down to the shore. It has been a love-hate relationship with the deer ever since.   I lose some, but those that survive are so happy to be getting sun most of the day. Had more shade in Maplewood from our tall trees.

 I tried multiple ways to protect — Spraying gross smelling stuff, allegedly deer prevention, fluttering banners, etc. This will be the first summer I will be able to watch them digest my plants via the security cameras I set up.

I have come to accept them, however grudgingly. Also, I put some in large patio containers to provide protection.

tomcat said:

I am in the process of planning flower beds at our new house.  I would like MOL'er input on what items I can expect the deer to leave alone (I know that Day Lilies are a lost cause):

Asiatic Lilies

Cone flowers

Creeping Phlox

Dahlia

Reblooming Iris

Annuals:  Geranium, Petunia or Begonia

Black-eyed Susans are a good choice. They hate fuzzy leaves. Daffodils and allium are also good, since they’re in the onion family and no critters like to eat them.

Daffodils, Allium, Peonies, Butterfly Bush, Caryopteris, Nepeta, Lavender, Marigolds, Hellebores, Annual Salvia, Perennial Salvia, Zinnas. I'll think of more.

I always have deer, sometimes a dozen in the backyard and these have done well.

check out Rutgers list of deer resistant plants rated by rarely touched to often damaged.

This might be considered deer proof   — blooms in February in a container — hellebore — untouched, Photo was taken yesterday.

mtierney said:

This might be considered deer proof   — blooms in February in a container — hellebore — untouched, Photo was taken yesterday.

Yes, I listed it in my post. Very pretty.