Deer in the Limelight

by Kathy V
(LaSalle, Ontario)

This summer I planted a Limelight Hydrangea in my garden an

d waited a while anticipating its blooms. I was rewarded with a dozen lucious green blooms that took my breath away. My mother's 75th birthday party was a few weeks away and I was looking forward to showing the gorgeous new addition to my garden to friends and relatives.

But the deer struck one night and decimated all but two of the blossoms. Those two were also quite lovely and I bought one more Limelight since they were so precious to me.

Next year the plants will be quite a lot bigger and I want to protect them from foragers. Maybe a partial fence will do the trick.

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Deer in the Limelight

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Keeping deer out
by: Mary Ann

I know how you felt when you discovered you'd had uninvited hooved guests over for dinner. I have been using 'Liquid Fence' since I had similar 'guests,' who in addition to devouring my hostas, also ransacked my yard. Liquid Fence smells horrible for a few hours after you spray it, but it has kept the deer away. Every few days I spray it here and there around the perimeter of my yard, just so that the scent remains fresh and I reapply after a rain. I swear by it.

Good luck!

Coyote Urine
by: Penny

I have asked what works to keep deer away from flowers. A fence is best but will not work at large botanical gardens. They all told me that coyote urine works best. It has to be applied again after rain storms. I use an eyedropper and apply 3 to 5 drops every 20 feet around my flowerbeds. Where deer aren't a problem, use 3 drops of fox urine every 20 feet to keep rabbits away. It does seem to work. Don't open the bottle inside or directly under your nose. It stinks and has a lingering effect. You might have to use a bit more around plants that deer especially like. Good luck!

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Doug Green