Oh Deer! Pike Nurseries’ Top Tips for Deterring Deer

ATLANTA (July 9, 2024) – As suburbia continues to encroach on wildlife territory, deer have become increasingly problematic for gardeners. The experts at Pike Nurseries are here to help with advice on safeguarding plants by highlighting additions that deer avoid, creating natural barriers around fragile blooms and utilizing reliable products to add an extra layer of protection for plants and flowers. ​ Pike Nurseries will also host a free class at all locations on Saturday, July 13, where gardeners can learn more about this topic.

Deer-resistant plants
​Although a hungry deer will eat almost anything, there are some plants they tend to avoid. When designing a deer-proof space, green thumbs should consider adding plants like lantana, echinacea or rudbeckia that have rough, prickly or thorny textures. Other plants like lavender, rosemary or thyme boast scents that are pleasing to humans but repulsive to deer.

Setting boundaries
​One of the easiest ways to keep deer out of the garden is by creating physical barriers. Privacy fences are always an option, but more natural options include dense boxwoods or ornamental grasses, which deer dislike due to their prickly textures. Outlining an environment with protective plants will also prevent wildlife from reaching more highly desired florals and greenery.

Risk-free repellents
​Pike Nurseries emphasizes that the goal is never to harm deer, but simply to repel them. Products such as Bonide Go Away! Deer & Rabbit Repellent or Milorganite use strong scents that trigger the animals’ instincts to avoid areas, without harming them. Other household items such as salt and red pepper flakes can also help keep wildlife away from precious plants.

Free class
​On Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m. all Pike Nurseries locations will offer a FREE in-store class on creating a deer-proof paradise. In this complimentary class, garden experts will offer further insight into deer-resistant plants and other natural solutions to keep deer out this summer. Space is limited; guests can pre-register here.

For more tips and tricks from Pike Nurseries’ garden experts, visit pikenurseries.com or connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and X.

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ABOUT PIKE NURSERIES
​Ever committed to its customers’ gardening success, Pike Nurseries takes pride in taking the guesswork out of gardening and helping its customers play in the dirt. Offering superior knowledge, quality and selection in a friendly, caring environment, Pike Nurseries has been a Southern icon for over 60 years. ​ Founded in 1958 by Pete Pike, its ability to adapt to market conditions and community needs has made it a respected Southern institution. ​ As Atlanta’s oldest garden chain, Pike Nurseries has 19 retail locations 15 in the Atlanta, Ga. and 4 Charlotte, N.C. areas. Led by President Monte Enright, Pike Nurseries looks forward to continued growth as it keeps Atlanta and Charlotte beautiful, one landscape at a time.