If you’re like me, you’ve spent countless hours nurturing your garden, only to have it become a buffet for the local wildlife. As frustrating as it can be, there’s something incredibly charming about watching a family of deer or a small rabbit munching happily in your backyard.
If you’ve decided to embrace the local fauna, there are plenty of plants that can attract them to your garden. Some are more likely to draw in deer, others are a favorite of rabbits, and a few are irresistible to both.
So, let’s dive into the 12 garden plants that attract deer and rabbits.
1. Clover: The Green Magnet for Deer and Rabbits
Clover is a favorite among both deer and rabbits. Its lush, green leaves are a feast for the eyes and a banquet for the belly. Planting a patch of clover in your garden can serve as a green magnet for these adorable creatures. They’ll be drawn in by the scent and stay for the flavor. Plus, clover is an excellent ground cover that can help prevent soil erosion.
2. Alfalfa: An Alluring Forage for Wildlife
The second on our list is alfalfa. This plant is a fantastic source of forage for wildlife, particularly deer. It’s high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for your garden visitors. Planting alfalfa takes some work, but it’s worth the effort when you see a herd of deer grazing peacefully in your backyard.
3. Apple Trees: A Fruitful Attraction for Deer
Who doesn’t love a sweet, juicy apple? Apple trees are a fruitful attraction for deer. They love munching on the fallen fruit, and they’re even known to stretch up on their hind legs to reach the low-hanging branches. Plus, apple trees also attract a variety of other wildlife, such as birds and squirrels, adding to the overall biodiversity of your garden.
4. Berry Bushes: A Sweet Temptation for Rabbits
Rabbits are particularly fond of berries. Raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry bushes are all sweet temptations for these fluffy creatures. Plus, you’ll also get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Just remember to plant enough for both you and your furry friends!
5. Carrots: The Underground Delight for Both Deer and Rabbits
Carrots are a classic favorite of both rabbits and deer. These vegetables are a delicious and nutritious underground delight. Planting a row or two of carrots in your garden will surely attract these animals. Just remember to plant a few extra for yourself!
6. Lettuce: A Leafy Draw for Forest Creatures
Next on the list is lettuce. This leafy green is a draw for many forest creatures, including deer and rabbits. They love the tender leaves and will happily munch on any that you plant. If you’re looking to attract these animals to your garden, a patch of lettuce is a great choice.
7. Beans: The Podded Plant that Entices Wildlife
Beans are another plant that can entice wildlife into your garden. Deer, in particular, are fond of this podded plant. They love the tender pods and will happily munch on them. Plus, beans are easy to grow and can add a pop of color to your garden.
8. Peas: The Climbing Vine that Deer and Rabbits Adore
Peas are a favorite of both deer and rabbits. This climbing vine offers a sweet treat that these animals adore. Plus, peas are easy to grow and can add a pop of color to your garden. Just be sure to secure the vines to a trellis or fence to keep them from being trampled.
9. Sunflowers: A Towering Treat for Deer
Sunflowers are a towering treat that deer can’t resist. They love munching on the seeds, and the tall stalks provide a bit of cover for them as they eat. Planting a row of sunflowers in your garden can lead to some truly beautiful and wildlife-friendly scenery.
10. Daylilies: The Colorful Perennial that Rabbits Love
Daylilies are a colorful perennial that rabbits can’t resist. These flowers offer a tasty treat and a vibrant splash of color to your garden. Plus, they’re easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Daylilies are a great choice if you’re looking to attract rabbits to your garden.
11. Hostas: A Shade-Loving Treat for Deer
Hostas are a shade-loving treat for deer. These perennials are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Plus, their large, broad leaves provide a feast for deer. Planting a patch of hostas in a shady corner of your garden can attract these graceful creatures.
12. Roses: Thorny Attraction for Rabbits
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Lastly, we have roses. Despite their thorns, rabbits are drawn to these beautiful flowers. They love to nibble on the tender buds and leaves, often ignoring the prickly deterrents. Roses can add a touch of elegance to your garden and serve as a thorny attraction for rabbits.
There you have it, 12 garden plants that can attract deer and rabbits to your garden. Remember, it’s all about balance. You want to attract these creatures without letting them overgraze. So, plant a variety and enjoy the sight of wildlife frolicking in your garden.
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