Do Deer Eat Lily of the Valley? Deer Resistant Perennials

Deer are known to eat a wide variety of plants, but do they eat lily of the valley? This is a question that many people have wondered about, and the answer may surprise you! In this blog post, we will take a look at what deer eat and whether or not they consume lily of the valley.

Do Deer Eat Lily of the Valley?

No, deer do not eat Lily of the Valley as the plant is toxic to them. This means deer will leave it alone and not bother with it. That’s why it makes a great option for shady gardens that you want to keep deer out of!

However, if there is no other food available, deer may be forced to eat Lily of the Valley out of desperation. If you see a deer eating this plant, it is likely that the animal is sick or starving.

It’s also to be mindful that deer can trample Lily of the Valley plants while they are foraging for other food. If you want to protect your Lily of the Valley plants, it’s best to fence them off or keep deer out of your garden altogether.

How to Protect Lily of the Valley from Deer?

To really protect Lily of the Valley from deer, you need to take some preventative steps:

1. Fence the Garden

The first thing to do is put up a fence around the garden. This will prevent any deer from getting in and causing damage to your beloved plants.

There are a few different types of fencing you can use, but for the best results, you should choose a fence that is at least eight feet tall. This will ensure that even the biggest deer cannot jump over it and into your garden.

If you can’t afford a fence or don’t have the time to build one, there are other options available. You can try using netting or chicken wire around your plants. This will create a physical barrier that deer cannot cross.

2. No Food

Another way to keep deer out of your garden is to make sure there is nothing for them to eat. If you don’t have any plants that deer like to munch on, they’ll be less likely to visit your garden.

You see, deer are attracted to gardens because they’re looking for food. If you can take away their food source, they’ll be less likely to bother with your garden.

You can do this by removing any potential food sources from around your home. This includes things like bird feeders, pet food, and fallen fruit from trees. By removing these foods, you’ll make your yard less attractive to deer.

3. Deer Repellents

If fencing is not an option and deer are still managing to get into your garden, you can try using deer repellents. These are products that contain a strong scent or taste that deer do not like.

When applied to plants, deer repellents will make the plants taste bad or smell bad. This will discourage deer from eating them.

There are many different types of deer repellents available on the market. You can choose from products that contain predator urine, essential oils, or even just plain old soap!

I like using the Bobbex repellent, which is the most popular deer repellent on the market. It’s safe to use on Lily of the Valley plants and it really works to keep deer away.

4. Hanging Baskets

You need to make it hard for deer to access your plants. One way to do this is by planting your Lily of the Valley in hanging baskets, and then placing them out of reach.

This will make it difficult for deer to chew holes in Lily of the Valley, and they’ll likely give up and move on to an easier meal. Plus, hanging baskets are really pretty and add a touch of elegance to your garden.

Hanging baskets are also a great way to protect your plants from other garden pests, like rabbits and squirrels. So, if you have a problem with these critters, this is a great solution.

5. Sprinklers

Deer dislike surprises, so one way to deter them from your garden is to install a sprinkler system.

When deer walk into the garden, the sprinklers will turn on and startle them. This will scare them away and make them think twice before coming back.

Plus, watering your plants with a sprinkler system is much easier than doing it by hand. So, it’s a win-win!

These are just a few of the ways you can protect your Lily of the Valley plants from deer. Through these steps, you’ll be sure to keep your plants safe and healthy. Do you have any other tips? Share them in the comments below!

Can Lily of the Valley Be Used as Deer-Resistant Fencing?

Yes, Lily of the Valley can be used as deer-resistant fencing. The plants have a strong scent that deters deer from coming near them. When the plants are placed around the perimeter of a garden, they will create a physical barrier that deer cannot cross.

However, it’s not the toughest plant, so it’s important to pair it with other deer-resistant plants. And, it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in place, like a fence, just in case the Lily of the Valley doesn’t do its job.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lily of the Valley is not on the menu of hungry deer that frequent gardens in search of a meal. The plant is unappetizing to deer due to its strong scent. When used as fencing, Lily of the Valley can be effective in keeping deer out of your garden.

I hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. And, if you know of any other tips for keeping deer out of gardens, be sure to share them!

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