When Plainview Farm opened in 1988, we remember that very few people mentioned deer problems in their gardens — much less complained about the damage done by these "four-legged rodents", as a customer of rather caustic wit once described them. In those years, we saw little need for concern here in North Yarmouth. We were surrounded by woods and open fields. The deer had plenty of room to roam, to graze. People and beast peacefully coexisted. The population expansion was just beginning. Most importantly, we did not worry about potential damage to our plants.
As the years passed, we heard from more and more people reporting problems—hollies chewed, arborvitae grazed to appear with cinched waistlines and daylily buds relished as humans might relish chocolate. A certain gentle acceptance for the trials brought on by nature could be felt.
At first, there was even sympathy for deer that overshadowed the irritation about the damage. Some people actually put food out for them. This is the “Well, they have to eat, too” stage.
As the ‘90’s progressed, the damage reported by customers increased dramatically. By mid-decade, people who lived in areas such as Peaks Island and Cape Elizabeth were beginning to lose their benevolent attitude. The damage caused each year was significant and expensive. Some people resorted to fences and other, gave up the idea of gardening completely. This was the “Well, what can we do” stage.
Late in the decade, we heard otherwise gentle people talking with great hostility toward the animals and the damage they caused. Expensive plants were being destroyed and people were becoming desperate to find means of control. This was the “I’ve lost patience and I’m not going to take it anymore!” stage.
Unfortunately, the answer to this problem is not a simple one. Strategies to control the deer abound. If one has an unlimited budget, stout fences are very effective. Aesthetically, a fence may not be desirable but they work. Using “deer resistant” plants may work—but if climate conditions make other food unavailable or if the herd is too large for the area, those plants will be eaten. Evil tasting sprays are effective in the short term, but research conducted by the University of Vermont has shown that the various “recipes” used in the various products must be rotated, as apparently the critters become accustomed to it.
The use of plants that are difficult for deer to swallow or digest can be an excellent strategy for gardeners who are desperate. They do not like plant with pungent smells: herbal, spicy or bitter. Flowers such as nasturtium, dianthus, cerastium, arabis and aurinia. Fuzzy leaves apparently stick in their throats and are avoided. Look for silver or gray leaves such as stachys, lavender and artemisia (these will give you a two shot chance, as they are fuzzy AND aromatic!). Ornamental grasses are not terribly attractive and they don’t seem to like fern.
The University of Vermont conducted an extensive study of the deer problem and concluded that most deterrents are effective—for a while. Deer are smart and they will become accustomed to the various methods used. UVM suggests alternating methods.
We also believe that people living in deer country—effectively sharing home space—must learn to accept some level of grazing. It’s either that—or allow a four-legged beast to drive you crazy.