Oh Deer! Gardening with Deer-Resistant Plants in Georgina’s Growing Zone 5

If you’ve ever stepped outside to admire your garden only to find your favourite flowers nibbled to stubs or your carefully planted beds raided overnight, you’re not alone. In Georgina’s growing zone 5, we love the local wildlife—but when deer turn our gardens into their personal salad bars, it’s time to make some strategic planting decisions.

Luckily, you don’t need an 8-foot fence or scary motion sensors to protect your garden (though those can help). Instead, let’s talk about deer-resistant plants. While no plant is completely deer-proof (a hungry deer will eat almost anything), many plants are reliably left alone due to their scent, texture, or toxicity.

Here’s a guide to building a beautiful, fragrant, and deer-discouraging garden—Zone 5 style.

 

Why Deer Avoid Certain Plants

Deer rely heavily on smell and taste, and they tend to avoid:

• Strong-scented plants like herbs and some flowers
• Toxic plants that can cause harm or illness
• Fuzzy, prickly, or tough textures that are unappetizing
• Plants with bitter sap or essential oils 

That’s good news for gardeners, because there’s a whole world of attractive plants that deer just don’t care for.

Top Deer-Resistant Herbs for Georgina Gardens

Let’s start with your herb garden. Most deer want nothing to do with fragrant herbs, which is a win-win: tasty for you, unappealing to them.

Mint

The aggressive scent and spreading habit of mint make it an excellent deer deterrent. Try planting it in containers to keep it contained.

Thyme

Low-growing and aromatic, thyme is perfect for borders, between stepping stones, or in raised beds. 

Sage

With fuzzy leaves and a pungent aroma, sage is a garden staple that deer usually pass over. 

Tarragon

This licorice-scented herb is not on a deer’s menu. French tarragon is especially hardy and useful in the kitchen. 

Rosemary

Although borderline hardy in Zone 5, rosemary thrives in containers and can be brought indoors in winter. Its tough leaves and intense aroma are deer-repelling. 

Basil

Annual basil grows fast and gives off a strong scent that deer avoid. Plant lots—you’ll use it! 

Lavender

Not only does it smell amazing, but lavender’s essential oils deter deer (and mosquitoes). It loves full sun and well-drained soil. 

TIP: Plant herbs along pathways or the edges of veggie beds to form a deer-repelling barrier.

 

Deer-Resistant Perennials and Flowers

Here are some stunning perennials and flowers that deer typically leave alone:

Foxglove (Digitalis)

Gorgeous and tall, foxglove is toxic to humans and animals, so deer avoid it. (Just make sure kids and pets steer clear.) 

Poppies

With their papery blooms and mildly toxic nature, poppies tend to be ignored by deer. 

Peonies

One of the few deer-resistant cottage garden classics! Their leathery foliage and fragrant blooms are rarely nibbled. 

Lily of the Valley

Sweet-smelling but toxic, this shade-loving groundcover is best planted in out-of-the-way spots where deer and pets won’t try a bite. 

Bleeding Heart

A spring favourite in shady spots, bleeding hearts are generally safe from deer browsing. 

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa)

A graceful ornamental grass for shade that adds texture and movement without attracting deer. 

Iris

Sword-like foliage and strong-smelling blooms make irises deer-unfriendly. 

Baptisia (False Indigo)

A native perennial with deep roots and strong stems—great for structure and deer resistance. 

Zinnias

These bright, blooming annuals are not on a deer’s menu. Plant them in full sun and deadhead often for continuous colour. 

Daffodils

Toxic bulbs like daffodils are almost always ignored. Plant them in clusters or mix them with tulips (which deer do love) to offer some protection. 

Asparagus and Onions

These edible perennials are pungent and strongly scented. Deer would rather eat roses than risk the sulphur smell of alliums. 

TIP: Plant toxic or fragrant flowers near entry points or in exposed spots to deter deer from entering your garden in the first place.

Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens

Now let’s add structure to your garden with shrubs that look good and stand up to grazing pressure.

Junipers

Spiky, aromatic, and evergreen, junipers are nearly deer-proof. 

Boxwood

A classic hedge choice with a strong scent that deer don’t enjoy. 

Lilac

Surprisingly deer-resistant! Most deer will avoid lilac’s tough wood and fragrant blooms. 

Barberry

Thorny, dense, and bitter-tasting—deer keep away. 

Holly

Spiny leaves make holly tough for deer to munch. The berries add winter interest, too. 

Forsythia

Spring-blooming with bright yellow flowers, this early bloomer is usually skipped by deer.

Japanese Kerria

A cheerful, underused shrub with yellow blooms in early spring and green stems in winter. Deer don’t bother it. 

Dogwood (Shrub-type)

Many dogwoods, especially red- or yellow-twig, are rarely grazed and provide gorgeous winter colour. 

TIP: Don’t prune your deer-resistant shrubs too hard in the fall. Leaving them full and natural helps them protect more vulnerable plants in winter.

 

Design Tips to Deter Deer

If you’ve been blessed (or cursed) with regular deer visitors, here are some extra tricks:

Layer Your Plants: Place the most deer-resistant species on the outer edges and more vulnerable ones closer to your home or in fenced areas.

Use Fragrance Strategically: Herbs and strongly-scented flowers like lavender, sage, and mint can act like aromatic armour.

Try Companion Planting: Pair deer-resistant plants with ones deer do like to camouflage the tempting options.

Switch Things Up: Deer are creatures of habit. Changing your planting layout each season can confuse and discourage them.

Consider Motion or Scent Deterrents: Motion-sensor sprinklers, bars of Irish Spring soap, or even homemade garlic sprays can help reinforce your plant choices.

A Final Word

No garden is ever 100% deer-proof, but with the right mix of deer-resistant herbs, flowers, and shrubs, you can stack the odds in your favour. Whether you're designing a low-maintenance front yard or a lush, layered perennial border, there's no need to sacrifice beauty just to keep the deer at bay.

By choosing smartly and planting mindfully, you can enjoy a thriving garden that says “not tonight, Bambi.”

Happy gardening!