A search of this forum will reveal dozens of threads with people offering their ideas. Dozens of ideas, some good, some not.

Dan

Have you looked into a motion-activated sprinkler?

This clip is likely to amuse you, but as you see, it really can work. [The gadget doesn't clang when it sprays intruders -- that was added for effect.] They're available on Amazon and other places.

I have one budgeted for this year, myself. What was left of my garden after awful weather and disease last year was gobbled down by deer last summer. This doesn't harm animals but just frightens them away.

See what you think.

Thanks to the two who replied so far, but I've found the "solution" I would like to use. What I need to know now is if anyone thinks the deer will "try" to eat fake flowers (and potentially be harmed) or know right away that they are not edible and walk on by. I realize no one can predict what a deer will do, but I really don't want to harm them. But this solution would be perfect for me.

Any other takers? Thanks....

No, the deer will not be interested in eating artificial flowers. No need to worry. They are very selective in their food choices. Silk and plastics are not on their menu.

What nandina said. But it is an interesting solution - replacing everything with silk flowers rather than deer-resistant plants. Let us know how that works and how long they last.

Dan

Thanks again, helpful gardening friends. Here's what it looks like. I wouldn't do a whole yard this way, but for one little wishing well, it will hopefully solve this particular problem. They look real, don't they? I'll let you know how they fare throughout the summer.
{{gwi:138173}}

I promise just one truth. If deer are hungry enough they will literally eat anything. In some catalogs marks are made to indicate plants deer tend to pass by. The key word is tend.

In my area we have nearly enough hunters and poachers to keep the herds thinned to numbers we can live with. Our road traffic is the number one harvester of deer. Some folks here determine that deer season opens when the freezer gets empty. They are not always disliked by their neighbors.

Deer eating flowers? Awesome! Where can I get some?

Hmmmmm - can't imagine any serious gardener contemplating "planting" artificial flowers anywhere outdoors, deer or no deer. That's just tacky!! Just get a deer repellant spray - they are available everywhere and work moderately well. And especially in summer, when deer are not so challenged for food sources, one can find various colorful flowering annuals or perennials that deer tend to avoid.

Does this thread help?

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/4944420/background-article-problems-with-deer?n=1

Hate to say, but yesterday morning at 8:30am I saw deer in my backyard eating my silk plastic flowers

This works for me twenty five bucks on Amazon. Sets off a loud siren and red flashing light. Might not work for you if you have close neighbors.