18 Feb Thu 2016
Three Deer Resistant Herbs
One of our customers asked me what herbs will deter damage caused by deer. I empathized with her because we all face the little critters that dine free in our gardens and deer are a nuisance in the garden. I told her she could minimize their damage by planting deer resistant herbs. You will be surprised at how many herbs are considered 'deer resistant'! You will have no trouble keeping deer out of the garden!
There are many and I will write about them as time goes by. However, here are three good ones and you can get the seed and plant them in the fall and they will be ready for protecting next year’s garden. Each week I will try to add info on 1 or 2 more great deer resistant herbs.
Achillea (Yarrow) is a Perennial in zones 3 - 9 and is a beautiful ornamental that dries well and is a great addition to any cut bouquet or arrangement. Its aroma and attractive pink blooms bring useful pollinators and insects to your garden. Medicinally, as with most Achilleas, the herb is valuable for its astringent and anti inflammatory properties and has been used traditionally as an "all heal" herb. It is also proven to be a natural mosquito repellent. You may need to stake your Achilleas to keep a straight, upright posture. They grow best in full sun and dry soil and are deer, drought, rabbit and slope resistant. An "all heal" for your garden, Achillea makes an amazing companion plant! You can buy the seeds and get free shipping at this link
Bergamot, also known as Bee Balm, Wild Oregano or Horse Mint, is an aromatic herb in the family Lamiaceae, native to North America found in open fields and swampy areas. It is a perennial in zones 4-10. A fragrant culinary herb, Bergamot tastes minty and slightly spicy, similarly to Oregano. The plant's bright, tubular blooms attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. A wonderful medicinal herb, Bergamot contains a natural antiseptic which is found in commercial mouthwashes.
Plant Bergamot (Bee Balm), which is a beautiful addition to your garden or in containers, to attract pollinators & deter deer. This colorful herb is also a great companion plant and will keep underground pests away, while attracting helpful predatory insects and pollinators. Especially great for planting near tomato plants, Bergamot actually improves the health and taste of their fruits. In the kitchen, try Bergamot on pizzas, in tea, and to season meats and fish. A fantastic native herb and the deer do not like it at all. You can buy the seeds and get free shipping at this link
Buddleia plant is also known as the butterfly bush and it is a great perennial for sun, producing blooms so irresistible to butterflies its common name is the "butterfly bush". This variety's deep purple blooms have a lovely honey aroma that is irresistible! We love nothing more than to sit on our porch on a warm summer evening with a cool drink and enjoy this wonderfully summer scent.
Order these seeds now at this link.
Butterfly Bush Mix is a cottage garden favorite that is widely grown in butterfly gardens. Buddleia Davidii seeds germinate fast if they are planted properly - the seeds cannot be covered. Butterfly Bush plant grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil; however, this flowering shrub is very adaptable and tolerates poor and dry soils. Butterfly Bush is also tolerant of heat, humidity, and drought.
Plant in zones 5 to 9 and just as your annuals are beginning to feel the stress and strain of summer, Buddleias are just getting started! Somewhat more vigorous than other varieties, the 'Black Knight' will bloom repeatedly from mid summer to mid fall. Removing spent blooms will encourage tons of new flowers to replace the previous ones, and will renew that terrific summer smell. Deer and drought tolerant, this beautiful Buddleia also makes a great addition to fresh arrangements for its rich color and sweet smell.
You can sow the seeds indoors for Spring (4-6 weeks before last frost) or sow outdoors: in the Spring with surface sowing - press seeds slightly into soil and they will germinate in 15-25 days providing you keep watering gently. Order these seeds here now.
May the Creative Force be with you.
Arlene Wright-Correll