Native Plants

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Monday - May 18, 2009
From: Granbury, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Is it deer or ducks eating plants in Granbury, TX?
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have some salvia and coreopsis that were recently beheaded along with some blooms on Knockout roses. I had just recently put out some Deerscram, but we've had some ducks visiting recently. Could the ducks have been the culprits? If so, what do I do to keep them away?ANSWER:
Ducks like young plants in particular; so, if you can protect plants until they have matured a bit it is more likely that the ducks will leave them alone. Also, ample supplies of sedges and grasses could divert the ducks from more decorative plants. We heard of a contraption that would startle the ducks away from this About.com:Landscaping website Scarecrow sprinklers. Since we don't get many ducks in gardens around Austin, we have not talked to anyone who actually uses it.
Frankly, we would be more suspicious of the resident deer than the visiting ducks. Sounds like the plants that got nibbled were all bigger than a duck would be interested in, especially the roses. As you no doubt already know, keeping deer away is one long struggle, and one we seldom win. Wire enclosures will help protect plants from both ducks and deer, but that is a pretty big hassle. If we had a no-fail solution to this problem, we would tell you, honest.
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February 03, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants: Just noticed that deer have been rubbing the bark on good sized, but young, bur oaks planted last spring. Mostly in one spot on one side of the trunk. Will this kill the ...
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July 04, 2012 - I would like to plant knock out roses but I am concerned the deer will eat them? Advice?
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January 23, 2008 - We are building in a high desert climate in Dammeron Valley, Utah. We want plants that are both deer resistant and require little watering. Can you advise which plants (shrubs, flowers, cacti) that ...
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June 20, 2009 - I was wondering if deer eat any part of the mimosa tree? I have three good sized trees in my yard with seedlings popping up everywhere. Would it be profitable to transplant for deer habitat?
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April 24, 2011 - Are there any evergreen, deer resistant native plants that thrive in Austin?
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