Tag Archive for: repellent

Oh Deer! Strategies for Deer Management

Roger Zinn, Merrifield Plant Specialist

In late winter and early spring, deer will feed on plants they normally avoid out of desperation. They will browse evergreens, tender young buds of trees and shrubs, and perennials as they emerge. Be aware that deer are habitual feeders and will return to the same area each day to feed. Get out and look at your garden areas to see if deer are feeding, and if you notice even minor damage, it’s the time to act.

Identifying Deer Damage and Presence in the Garden




Antler Rubbing Damage




Deer Repellants

You want to apply repellants before damage occurs. During the cold months, take advantage of warm days for spraying. Be sure to store your repellents in an area that does not freeze, so you’re at the ready when temperatures are warm enough. Reapply repellants after heavy rains or snow.

When using repellents, alternate brands for best results. You will need to use them throughout the growing season. Granular repellants work great for protecting low growing plants, emerging perennials and bulbs. We recommend Milorganite and blood meal as affordable organic granular repellent fertilizers that come in larger sizes. Just be aware that dried blood meal may attract predators to your garden.



Select photos to visit the original website where they were posted. Fencing ideas via hometalk.com, ajthomas.net, Green Coast Carpentry, fotsos.com, and dirtcheapfencing.com.



Netting and Fencing

Drape deer netting over plants or trees and secure it to the ground with sod staples or stakes. Make sure to use flagging material when you place it so that deer can see the netting and avoid becoming entangled in it. You will need to check the netting regularly for damage.

If possible, fence off areas where deer enter you garden for added protection.  A 6 ft. stockade style fence is the best protection against deer, since they will not jump over fences they cannot see through. An 8 ft. wire fence is another good options, since deer will not jump that high even if they can see through the fence.

If you don’t want to put up a permanent fence, consider growing a hedge or planting masses of fragrant plants such as blue beard, sage, illicium or butterfly bush around the plants deer like to eat. You will need a temporary fence while your hedge or fragrant foliage plants grow in, but after that the plants will deter the deer from entering the area just as a fence would.


Deer Resistant Perennials and Shrubs

There are plenty of plants that deer avoid, but in particular they dislike very fragrant plants. In addition to using butterfly bush, bluebeard and sage as hedges, you can also plant masses of aromatic shrubs and perennials around desirable plants to deter feeding. Catmint, alliums, lavender, mint, sage and thyme are perennials that have a good reputation for deterring deer.

If you are looking for other plants that deer will not eat, consider the qualities that deer do not like to eat. Over time, plants have evolved characteristics such as fuzzy or hairy leaves, thorns, toxins or leathery foliage that make them an unappetizing choice for food. Consider the following plants (many of which are native!). These are far from all of the deer resistant options available, but are a great place to start:


Kodiak Orange Diervilla, Shrub


Diervilla Kodiak Orange

A native shrub that works beautifully as a non-invasive substitute for burning bush. This plant produces yellow flowers continuously through the summer, and features red-orange new growth. Fall color is a vibrant red-orange as well. This plant can be grown in sun or shade.





Daphnyphyllum

This evergreen shrub serves as a good substitute for rhododendron in a garden visited by deer and is a great choice for shady areas. It can be used as a screening plant as well. The flowers are insignificant, but new leaves form on bright pink stems.




Itea virginica (Virginia Sweetspire)

Also a native, the Virginia Sweetspire features fragrant white flowers in early summer and is a very adaptable plant that can handle sun, shade and wet soil. It has beautiful red fall color.



Cornus sanguinea (Bloodtwig Dogwood)

With white flowers in the spring and vibrant orange and yellow stems in winter this plant is a showstopper and great for growing in masses. This shrub is shade tolerant.




Cephalanthus occidentalis (Button Bush)

This native, moderately deer resistant shrub produces globes of fragrant white flowers in the spring that are wonderful for attracting pollinators. It is tolerant of wet soil, which is a plus if your garden has issues with drainage. Plant it in a spot that has full sun to part shade.




Yucca rostrata (Yucca)

An evergreen shrub with unique spiky foliage that is definitely not appetizing to deer. Use this plant in full sun for a drought tolerant option. It produces white flowers in the summer. 


Planning Ahead

Now is a great time to develop a strategy for dealing with deer in the future. With a wide variety of options available, anyone can discourage unwelcome deer from feasting on their landscapes. If you need assistance setting up your garden to be safe from deer, please contact us at service@mgcmail.com or visit our store to speak with our plant specialists.

Mosquito Trap Water Garden

Easy-to-Make Mosquito Trap Water Gardens

Updated September 2020.

The safest and best way to prevent mosquitos from wreaking havoc on your outdoor activities is to prevent them from being alive. Mosquitos lay their eggs in sources of standing water. By placing Mosquito Dunks or Bits in standing water sources you can effectively kill their larvae and therefore reduce the mosquito population. Mosquito Dunks and Bits work by dissolving over time and emitting a bacteria into the standing water source that kills the mosquito larvae. While the bacteria eliminates the mosquito larvae, it is not harmful to pets, humans, birds or  pollinators. You can even use them safely in bird baths.

You can easily create a beautiful water garden display with Mosquito Dunks or Bits. Simply select a vessel, fill it with water, pour in your Mosquito Bits and keep the surface at least 50% exposed to give the mosquitos a place to lay their eggs. Follow the package directions on the amount to apply based the size of the vessel you select. Mosquito Dunks are best for large containers while the Bits are better suited to smaller spaces. The Mosquito Bits will sink down to the bottom of the vessel and gradually disintegrate. We recommend adding more every two to three weeks.

With this approach you can keep your yard chemical free and still reduce these unwanted pests!

Mosquito Trap Inspiration

Here are some samples I’ve created at the garden center. You can use many types of plants or flowers, just check with our plant specialists if you will be submerging the whole plant to make sure it can grow in water!

Blue and White Vessel with Water Hyacinth and Lace

Mosquito Trap Water Garden

This sample combines a classic blue and white container with water hyacinth and lace. An opaque vessel is a perfect option for people looking for a larger or longer-term mosquito trap, since the water clarity is not as important.

Glass Dish with Fresh Flowers

Mosquito Trap Water Garden

This version of our mosquito trap would be perfect with a floating tea light at a summer party. Snip fresh blooms every few days to keep the color fresh and vibrant!

Water Hyacinth in Glass Container

Mosquito Trap Water Garden

This beautiful container shows off the purple roots of this water hyacinth. If you want to display plants with an interesting root structure, this tall glass container is a great way to do it while still creating an excellent trap.