You may want to check out this handy book (see if your library has it first):

Deerproofing Your Yard & Garden (Paperback)
by Rhonda Massingham Hart

It was recently updated so get the latest version if you end up buying the book. Basically for deer nothing is permanent except for high deer fencing. If you don't want to go this route, you have to rotate methods and be diligent about applying sprays. The above book has some interesting chapters on 'deer psychology' -- how to construct your plantings to make an environment uncomfortable for deer and some plants that repel deer (mostly heavily scented ones).

Personally I've used various sprays such as Liquid Fence (expensive) or others that were cheaper and hung Irish Spring soap in old nylons near or under choice plants.

Last year I tried a new product on a problemsome part of my yard. 'Wireless Deer Fencing' (see link below). Carol Stocker of the Boston Globe wrote about this product as well. This worked for an area that was sheltered from view near my chimney since that side of the house contains no windows. So it may want to consider it. If you have heavy deer infestation I don't know if it would work though.

There are lists of plants that deer don't usually go after but this varies by area and if the winter foraging is really bad they will eat just about anything so it is not a guarantee.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wireless Deer Fencing

My mom sent me the following recipe for a deer repellant last year. (I donÂt now where she got it)

Deer recipe:
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 tablespoon dish detergent
1 gal water
Beat egg and milk together (I use my blender  it seems to go through my
pressure sprayer without clogging better), then add oil and detergent, Add
mixture to water and shake well Store in a covered 1 gallon container (milk jug)
Apply liquid to plants (except food plants) using a spray bottle. Reapply
every 2 weeks or after heavy rains.

It seems too simple, but worked fine. I live in the woods with lots of deer parading through. I was/am a big fan of Bobbex. It works really well also and just as importantly doesnÂt wash off in the rain. This means no operator error if you donÂt get a chance (or forget) to respray as most (all?) other repellants require you to do. BUT, it was getting expensive when I could least afford it  thatÂs why I was willing to try this recipe and keep on top of the spraying.

ItÂs funny, IÂve heard that deer eat rhodies, but they have never touched any of mine  some quite far from the house. These are the same deer that insist on "sampling" my hellebores every year! They eat my hydrangeas if I donÂt spray them. They donÂt touch my holly, although it is so big that IÂm not sure I would notice unless they really abused it.
Deb

I second the use of Irish Spring soap. The deer really hate the smell and it is a much cheaper alternative, especially if you buy it in bulk.

You are so right fbot -- you can buy an 10 pack of the soap for just a few dollars at all the box stores. The one problem I've had even buying it is that I have to put it right out in the garden even leaving it in my garage or shed it just smells so potent -- the scent lingers! I also have to immediately throw out the packaging and double bag it. I guess it is very 'perfumey' in enclosed spaces. I suppose why it works so well to repel the deer!

One more tip, I am going to try this year. I've seen people use those green wire stakes having a small loop at the top to hold the bar upright in the garden. Just wedge the bar of Irish spring in the loop and then place amongst the plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stake on Gardener's Supply...

What a great idea! I wonder if you could also fashion a holder out of a heavy-duty coat hanger? Might be worth a try.... I've used all sorts of things like pantyhose, old socks, etc.

Unfortunately, you're seeking an answer that can't be given. There really is no such thing as a 'deer proof' planting.

Go to Google and do a search for 'deer proof'...then immediately do an advanced search using 'New England' to cull the initial hits you get for the local area.

In both the initial hits and the advanced hits you'll find lists...lots of lists...of plants suggested for areas where the deer roam...and eat. But you'll also find, in almost each case, that the lists contain the caveat that the plants listed are not deer 'proof'. They're plants that some folks have had good success with, or plants that deer seldom eat, or plants that come back quicker than others...if at all. But everyone who makes such lists will also tell you that those lists change as easy as the deer appetite does. Deer will eat almost anything if they're hungry enough, and the weather has a lot to do with that.

Experience will show that only (nearly) true defense against deer damage in the garden and yard...is deer fencing, and eight foot fencing at that. When the snow lies heavy and deep on the ground, a six foot fence can suddenly become an easily jumped four foot for the deer. The taller fence provides a little more defense. But here, too, there is that caveat...(nearly) true.

The deer really do hold the upper hand here. We can only try to keep them at bay.

If you take a look at the book I suggested there is a chapter that discusses what types of environments deer prefer ie. 'deer psychology' so if you make your yard and garden less friendly to deer this can help. When I read this section the ideas made sense to me but was not practical for my situation. You may be helped by it.

As TreeBeard said nothing is fool proof -- not lists of plants, not using sprays, even high fences in winter with snow drift etc. I think everyone in the NE forum can attest to this as a fact!

i don't think deer proof plants exist, just plants that deer won't eat unless they are really hungry and can't find anything else better tasting. That said, here's a list FWIW of "deer resistant" plants from a nursery in CT:

http://www.twomblynursery.com/resource_deer.htm

But the documents i find most helpful come from the CT Ag station. MA probably has their own version of this so check with your local Ag dept. FYI, these are PDF files.

http://www.caes.state.ct.us/FactSheetFiles/ForestryHorticulture/ControllingDeer.pdf

http://www.caes.state.ct.us/Bulletins/2000/b968.pdf

The first article describes different steps you can take to mitigate damage to an existing garden (things you probably already know). The second article is a study/survey of CT gardeners and their reports of deer damage to their gardents. The end of this article contains a list of plants and ranks them according to degree of deer damage.

Good luck with your garden.

If anyone needs any help with their deer "problem" I bow hunt around the boston area. I have taken many safety courses on hunting and am very good with the bow. I would even share some of the meat!

My email is topcamper2000@comcast.net

macarius is right with noting the CT study - do check it out. I printed mine a few years ago and used it then and now to select shrubs & trees (especially evergreen!) We only have a few deer here but one is more than enough.

Soon is the time when you will start seeing Mom and her babies. I've used Deer Off with good success BUT this is also the time of year when new growth is emerging and that is what the deer nibble on - so I just go around with my spray bottle and hit the tips.

If you have deer you probably have other animals (coyote, rabbits, voles, etc.) that also do damage. Look for a clear cut or a ragged tear off.

Even with lists, deer are selective not only to your state, but literally to your street. Just because they don't touch a plant in your neighbors yard is no guarantee they won't touch yours.

But do get the article/list (CT) for a starter. I've avoided the lists from nurseries as many of them glean their lists from books not really accurate for your location and may be outdated.

Nantucket Island has the hightest incidence of Lyme Disease in the US. The deer are hosts to the tick larvae, that after feeding for some time, then drops off and attaches itself to the white tailed mouse on Nantucket. During its lifetime it may attach itself to a human who walks by in beach grass or other vegetation.

It's a good idea to disturb browsing deer before it starts.

Go to The Fund for Animals site: www.fund.org
Phone: 212-246-2096 Fax: 212246-2633

Ask for their publication "FUND FACTS - Living With Deer"

It's 6 pages of excellant advice:
Lists of Deer-resistent plants: Perennials/bulbs, Shrubs and Trees, and a list of their favorite foods as well.

Info on chemicals, home remedies (like hot sauces), soaps,fencing and other good stuff. There is also a great bibliography.

Good luck,

Joan Barnes
Nantucket Island, MA

I'm especially motivated after getting Lyme disease last spring..I am removing all "deer candy", putting plastic mesh fencing up and, as insurance in case the barbarians breech the gate, spraying. I use two sprays-one cinnamon clove and the other Deer Off. If you stay up on the spraying, it works. I got a little busy this winter and the nibbling increased