Have you ever sat around the house on a rainy spring day contemplating whether or not to eat a day-old canoli, or think up an interesting horticultural article for your garden club newsletter? Well, such has been my dilemma today. Spring rains have once again put the brakes on my attempt to clean up my messy yard and gardens, so I have decided, after much deliberation, to write this article, then….eat the canoli.

The regular readers of my “Horticultural Tips” column will remember that last month I recommended 5 types of perennial plants guaranteed to keep your garden looking gorgeous all season long. “Looking gorgeous” because: Deer and other “nibblers” generally do not eat these species for some strange, unknown, secret reason known only to residents of the animal kingdom.

Well, I am here today to offer 4 more wonderful suggestions of spring and summer bloomers, hardy in our plant zone 4 that are again “deer resistant” and therefore can be long term beautiful additions to our gardens. First, consider the easy to grow Yarrow (achillea). There are many species and hybrids, most grow 2-3 ft. tall and bloom prolifically in summer. Yarrows are very tolerant to poor soil and drought, they attract butterflies and divide and grow easily. Gleaming yellow “Coronation Gold” is a common favorite, but many new colors of yarrow are pink, deep strawberry red, or bi-color. All match up well with Catmint, Bee Balm, or Lavender.

Anise Hyssop (Agastache Foeniculum) needs a sunny, well drained soil situation but are quite drought tolerant. Hummingbirds and butterflies absolutely love these long-blooming perennials. They tend to re-seed prolifically, so be prepared for it to spread. It’s lavender blooms are lovely and last most of the summer. It matches well with ornamental grasses and Russian sage.

Bee Balm (Monarda) loves lots of sun and be sure to give it lots of space because it spreads. Bee’s and butterflies and hummingbirds love this plant. Because it spreads via its underground root system, even if deer do chew it down to the ground, it will grow back. Bee Balm matches well with Catmint and Goldenrod.

Finally, Gayfeather (Liatris) is a hearty plant requiring lots of sun and well-drained soil. It is a pretty plant of tall purple spires, however, it also comes in white. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this plant and deer may graze on it occasionally as they pass thru… but the well established Liatris plant will easily survive a chance encounter and come back even stronger. Liatris matches well with Alliums and colorful Yarrow.

As all gardeners’ know, battling the big, fury, four legged foragers is only one small part of the battle for a beautiful garden. As spring fades to summer there are still more adversaries out there. We will soon be face-to-face with some of the ferocious, fuzzy, fifteen footed, teeny, tiny, creepy, crawly, creatures that captivate our curiosity as they crunch away on the Coreopsis. But for now….. I think it’s time for a canoli !!!

Cheers… Deb
May 2019