Plantings with Purpose
28 Feb, 2007 By: Jamie J. Gooch LDB Solutions
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From increasing security to decreasing wildfire risk, there are a number of plantings that have purposes beyond aesthetics. In addition to ensuring plantings have the color, texture and year-round behavior your clients want, landscape designers can also recommend plants with other properties. Knowing the plants that can serve your clients in multiple ways could help you make a sale or keep a steady customer.
Deer-resistant plantings
Plant damage caused by deer is a problem in many parts of the country. While very few plants will stand up to deer in a particularly harsh winter when their food choices are limited, there are a number of shrubs, perennials, ground covers and annuals that deer would rather avoid. Note that even deer-resistant plants will need some help in the spring to deter deer from eating the tender young plants.
The Texas A&M University has posted an article titled “Deer in the Urban Landscape,” which lists a number of plant varieties that can be used in Texas Hill Country to minimize deer damage. Read the article here.
Patti Simons has assembled an extensive list of plants, including scientific and common names so that you can be sure you’re ordering the correct variety. Her list, which also includes bloom time and color, is available on the Native Plant Society of Texas site.
There is even a nursery that specializes in deer-resistant varieties. Clare, MI-based Deer-Resistant Landscape Nursery’s website includes a list of deer-resistant plants, and a catalog of books, deer fencing and deer repellents.
The West Virginia University Extension Service has also posted a list of deer-resistant ornamentals for that part of the country. It’s available here.
Check with your local extension service or state organization to see if they have lists of deer-resistant varieties that grow well in your part of the country.
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