For a burst of bright color and wildlife resistance, the spring flowering freesia is fantastic. Photos Cynthia Brian

By Cynthia Brian

"It was Easter Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Spanish Student

Blossoming fruit trees, poppies adorning hillsides, and daffodils illuminating walking paths . the sirens of the start of spring have sprung. As seedlings pop through the soft soil and new green growth emerges on hedges, trees and vines, uninvited wildlife visitors tend to hop, fly, scamper, and trot into our landscapes.
Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail, followed by the families of Bambi, Tom Turkey, and Squiggly Squirrel. A buffet feast awaits their arrival in our rose beds, perennial gardens, and vegetable patches.
What is a human to do to protect our precious landscapes from invaders?
Although repellents promise perimeter patrolling, I have not found any that completely protect my premises. As much as I admire these furry, feathered and fluffy "friends," I don't want them munching my flowers, foliage, sprouts and shrubs. How can we find a way for the realms of nature to co-exist?
Here are few suggestions:
1. Fencing is the most effective deterrent for deer and rabbits. Although the bunnies can't jump over a 6-foot fence, to keep deer out of our gardens, we need to erect 9-foot enclosures. Sadly, squirrels scurry from trees to fence rails. Turkeys fly over fences.
2. Drive around your neighborhood to see what kinds of plants are thriving. Consider using what grows well in your area.
3. During dry months, some sprays may be effective, including Liquid Fence which, according to the company, is natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, and safe for the environment with rotten eggs being the main ingredient. Supposedly wildlife can smell the stink up to two weeks after humans can no longer smell the stench.
4. Sprinkle blood meal on flowers and foliage. The problem I have experienced with this method, however, is that it attracts raccoons and skunks! Not a winning suggestion.
5. Unless you have fencing and/or containment, avoid using plants that are known to be delicacies such as roses, fruit, and leafy greens. If you plant tasty treats, the hungry nomads will find them.
6. Before buying large quantities of a plant, test the nibbling desire by buying a small container and placing it for two weeks in an area where the wildlife wander. Watch and wait.
7. Buy more mature plants in larger containers. Plants that have abundant leaves can tolerate the nipping and gnawing better than smaller specimens. Taller plants are less susceptible to damage when lower leaves are eaten. They recover more swiftly.
8. Don't over water. The lusher the specimen, the more attractive it is for dinner. Drought-resistant vegetation is less likely to be gobbled.
9. Place pungent plants bordering areas that may be enticing. Mints, lantana, alyssum, marigolds, geraniums, catnip, strawflower, salvia, and scented geraniums may deter the diners.
10. Employ the use of motion detector outdoor lights and motion sensor sprinklers to scare the thieves away.
11. Build raised beds with removable wire tops.
12. Yell and scream and chase the trespassers away to let them know they are not welcome. (But sometimes they are so adorable you'll want to snap some photos first!)
13. Don't intentionally feed the nature critters.
14. When all else fails and you need help to trap the marauders, contact trapper Chris Davies of Full Boar Depradation, LLC at 925-698-1845, www.fullboar-llc.com. The insured company is licensed by the State of California Department of Fish and Wildlife to hunt and trap offending wildlife.
Stems and leaves that are scratchy, thorny, hairy, fuzzy, bitter, spicy, sappy, stiff, leathery or toxic will keep the predators away as they hunt for their next meal. Most varieties of gray or silver-hued plants are usually not appreciated by the hungry hunters, either.
Although there is no such thing as wildlife-proof plants, here is a list of probable safe bets to introduce into your landscape.
Foxglove
Lavender
Peony
Sage
Society Garlic
Artemis
New Zealand Flax
Portulaca
Boxwood
Forsythia
Begonia
Calla Lily
Four O'Clock
Yarrow
Star Jasmine
Muscari
Ferns
Naked Ladies
Bearded Iris
Birds of Paradise
Hellebore
Columbine
Gazania
Primrose
Chinese Fringe Flower
Honeysuckle
Viburnum
Barberry
Butterfly bush
Silky Dogwood
Elderberry
Weigela
Spirea
Pink Bower Vine
Allium
Privet
Abelia
Cleome
Freesia
Iris
Blue star
Oregano
Fennel
Sunflower
Marigold
Calendula
Gladiola
Ornamental Grasses
Remember that no plants or trees are 100% animal-proof, but many are resistant. Do your homework to find the right plants for the correct place. Be diligent. Be watchful. Experiment.
The fragrance of spring fills the air and egg-citing Easter is nigh. I'm hoping that Peter Cottontail comes hopping down the bunny trail bringing baskets full of joy to every girl and boy. And mostly chocolate bunnies!
Happy Gardening. Happy Growing.
Happy Easter and Passover.

Save the Date The Orinda Garden Club is holding a plant sale on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orinda Library Plaza with members propagated plants plus over 30+ varieties of tomato seeds, a Firewise demonstration table, and a garden marketplace. The event will be socially distanced and well-spaced outdoors throughout the Orinda Library Plaza. Look for your special seedlings at this local plant sale. Proceeds will benefit educational projects.

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