Living in the beautiful Okanagan Valley comes with many perks, but for gardeners, there is one persistent challenge that stands out.

Whether I am giving a xeriscape presentation in Grand Forks or representing the Make Water Work campaign at the recent Kelowna Garden Club Flower Show, a recurring theme in the questions I get is the search for deer-resistant plants.

While deer may be lovely to observe from a distance, they can quickly transform a carefully-cultivated garden into their personal buffet. Understanding deer-resistant plants, particularly those suited to our semi-arid climate, can help you create a thriving landscape that both you and the local wildlife can appreciate—each in your own ways.

Deer are opportunistic feeders, but with surprisingly-discerning palates. They typically avoid plants with certain characteristics that make them either unpalatable or difficult to consume.

The most effective deer-resistant plants share common traits such as strong fragrances, fuzzy or textured foliage, bitter or toxic compounds, thorny structures and tough leathery leaves.

Plants with high essential oil content, such as herbs and aromatics, are particularly unappealing to deer, as their sensitive noses find these scents overwhelming.

It's important to emphasize that no plant is completely deer-proof. When food sources are scarce, particularly during harsh winters or drought conditions, deer........

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