Over the Garden Fence: A 2024 resolution and its arsenal in the deer battle

As calendars moved through "123123" or the end of 2023, people were hopeful. To mankind it is almost as if a magic dust would be sprinkled over the world as the year ended. There was cheering along with silent salutes and even prayers. If it were only that simple to make war and strife go away, peace would be in place on the dawning of the new year.

So as individuals we find ways to make a difference in our own little worlds by planning ways to bring happiness. Resolutions may be in place, but usually fade into a distance unachieved. As selfish as it sounds, my cluster of resolutions is heavily focused on keeping deer from eating my prize flowers.

This land is a minor war zone of sorts. And the intentions involve no guns. But my plan is to become more armed and dangerous and vex the critters to the point they move on to the cemetery across the street to dine.

Lightening the deer buffet

Strategies involved digging half of the daylilies on the east side of the yard and potting them. This lightens the deer buffet line. Buds will be in another yard. When tulip bulbs went into the ground this fall, they were located in groups so that stretches of plastic grid can be laid on top of emerging buds. Lilies are in three major locations and the deer go right for them.

These areas will be protected with curves of metal fencing. In trials this past season, these units brought success.

The phlox are eaten constantly. Last year there were almost none that made it to colorful display. And roses were brought to the front yard and placed in a line so that they can be covered with grids of plastic. The deer consume almost every bud. So then tulips, lilies, daylilies, roses and phlox will be defended.

If this does not go well, my yard will be turned into a daffodil and chrysanthemum haven. Although they − the deer − ate mum blooms this past year. Sedum, daisies, columbine, dahlias and gladiolus were consumed.

Besides covering the gems of our flower beds, my arsenal goes beyond green plastic fencing and stretches of metal fence. A friend delivered several bars of a green soap that will be grated. The cupboard revealed more pelleted granules, and a couple of solar-powered lighted units that give off flashing and sound. A treated belt will surround the bed of daylilies which remains.

Not even hurling potatoes deters the deer

There is the largest box of dryer sheets sold on the market to tie here and there so the scent will make them back off. There are hundreds of plastic shopping bags to join in the battle. These are tied to branches which make them crazy − the deer, that is.

You just cannot negotiate with deer. Once when I hurled potatoes at them, they just looked. Several times, armed with a broom, my defense was met with them "holding the line." They are fearless when seeking food.

As snow appears catalogs bring on thoughts that include planting annuals like nasturtium, lisianthus, calendula and more zinnias. New year, new plans.

Mary Lee Minor is a member of the Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club, an accredited master gardener, a flower show judge for the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs and a former sixth grade teacher.

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Steps to prevent deer from eating flowers in your garden