Keep the Deer at bay so your Gardens can Flourish!

"Spring is sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where the flowers is". This well-known quip, often credited to American poet Ogden Nash, rings true for many Comox Valley gardeners this time of year. The missing flowers are not alone in their state of nonexistence, as they are often accompanied by hostas, perennials, young deciduous trees, and “popsicle shaped” cedars and yews. Who is the culprit to blame…our friendly neighbourhood deer of course.

What is one to do? Shall I plant only hardy and prickly shrubs, substituting aesthetics for a holding point in this horticultural war of attrition?

Fear not, there is an alternative, and it can be both resilient and beautiful. One only needs to admire the plantings along Comox Avenue, or the gardens at the Filberg House to seek inspiration.

There are many structural plants for the garden with varied bloom times, structure and shape: Rhododendrons offer amazing spring blooms, Escallonia and Ceanothus (California lilac) produce flowers from May until October and attract bees. Viburnums offer spring blooms and fall berries and leaf colour. Lean on native species to adorn and brighten your space such as local flowering currents exploding with pinks and reds, or the subtle blooms and berries of ocean spray. These shrubs can be seen along the Courtenay Greenway walks through the Valley View neighbourhood.

What of my perennials? I want colour to sustain through the summer to showcase my property. For this I turn to the local nurseries looking for globe cornflower (centaurea), tickseed (coreopsis), and dahlias to showcase all summer blooms. Shady you say, add cranesbill geranium, bleeding hearts (dicentra) or euphorbias to add some colourful punch.

Lastly, there are many bulbs you can plant that do not offer a tasty treat to our foraging four legged friends. Daffodils are the gold standard of deer resistance; however, they do not stand alone in this regard. Hyacinths, hardy calla lilies (Zantedeschia), and giant onion (allium) offer a variety of shapes and colours.

The moderate climate of the Comox Valley allows for a great variety of plants to thrive, and yes resist the munching of our local deer. We also have the benefit of many great nurseries and landscape tradespeople to assist you, whether you are new homeowner or an avant-gardener!

Happy Planting.