Why do some animals avoid certain plants?

Oh, it's fascinating! Some plants have these natural defenses, like being super bitter or having thorns. It's like Mother Nature's way of saying 'back off!' to the nibblers.

Can I really have a garden without animals munching on everything?

Totally! There are plenty of plants that critters just don't find tasty. It's like us with Brussels sprouts – some people love them, some don't. You just need to pick the right plants.

Do rabbits eat asters?

You know, rabbits can be tricky! But generally, asters are not their first choice. They might nibble a bit if there's not much else around, but they'd rather have something yummier.

What flowers won't animals eat?

Oh, there are quite a few! Think marigolds, lavender, and snapdragons. These guys seem to have developed a reputation for being unappealing to animals – a win for us gardeners!

What animals don't eat plants?

Well, that's a good question! Most animals eat plants at least sometimes, but carnivores like lions or eagles won't munch on your garden. Luckily, they don't live in our backyards!

Deer and rabbits seem to be the culprits I’ve seen munching on plants in the garden. It seems like they will eat just about anything. Thankfully there are some plants that they don’t find very tasty, which means I can plants these particular plants in my garden and sleep peacefully knowing they will still be there in the morning. Here are 5 plants animals won’t eat.

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5. Basket of Gold – Aurinia Saxatalis

Deer won’t eat this perennial, which makes it safe to plant in any location. The bright yellow flowers make up a mound that measure almost 20 inches across. This plant needs lots of sunlight in order to do well. It likes well-draining soil and looks great around the edge of a garden plot.

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Basket of Gold (Aurinia Saxatalis) is a great choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of bright yellow color to their garden. This perennial is deer-resistant and can thrive in sunny locations. It grows best in well-draining soil, and can reach a width of 20 inches. Easy to maintain and drought-tolerant, this plant is perfect for gardeners of all levels. It can be used to line pathways, flower beds, or as a border along the edge of a garden. Plus, its bright yellow flowers are sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees them.

4. Butterfly Weed – Asclepias Tuberosa

If you are looking to attract butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden, but don’t want something the deer will nibble on, then this is a great choice. It flowers from the beginning of summer until the early fall. The bright orange flowers not only attract hummingbirds and butterflies, but also beneficial bees. Zone 4 and up are recommended for growing this plant as a perennial.

3. Lavender – Lavandula Angustifolia

Rabbits will avoid munching on this lovely perennial. The best zones for growing this fragrant plant are 5 and up. The leaves are green all winter long and springtime flowers are a pinkish-purple. This variety is drought tolerant and often used as an ornamental plant.

2. Russian Sage – Perovskia Atriplicifolia

This rabbit-resistant perennial produces delicate purple flowers on top of stems that can reach a height of 4 feet. The silvery leaves greatly compliment the purple flowers. It is drought tolerant, enjoys full sun, and produces blooms that can last nearly 3 months. Zones 5 and up are preferred for this type of sage.

1. Thread Leaf Tickseed – Coreopsis Verticillata

Bright yellow flowers adorn stems that reach heights of 2 to 3 feet. This deer-resistant plant will produce blooms from the middle of summer until fall. It will grow just about anywhere, due to its ability to withstand poor soil conditions, drought, and excessive heat. This plant does well in zones 3 and up.

Finding plants for my garden that I don’t have to protect from wild animals is always a plus. What types of plants do you know of that deer, rabbits, or other wildlife seem to stay away from?

Top Photo Credit: duanekeys

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