Enjoy the deer without them enjoying your yard

Submitted by 2 Wild Poppies

One of the greatest joys of living in Northern Nevada is sharing our landscape with wildlife. Watching deer quietly wander through the neighborhood can be a peaceful reminder of the beauty that surrounds us. But if you’ve ever walked outside to discover your favorite flowers were dinner overnight, you know the challenge that comes with it.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between enjoying the deer and having a beautiful landscape.

By selecting plants that deer naturally tend to avoid, you can create a colorful, thriving garden while encouraging them to browse elsewhere. While no plant is ever 100% deer-proof—especially during dry seasons when food is scarce—many varieties are much less appealing because of their fragrance, texture, or taste.

Choosing Plants That are deer-resistant

Here are a few of our favorite deer-resistant plants that perform beautifully in Northern Nevada:

Lavender – Known for its calming fragrance and beautiful purple blooms, lavender thrives in our sunny, dry climate. Deer typically avoid its aromatic foliage, making it one of the best choices for both borders and garden beds.

Shasta Daisy – These timeless white blooms brighten any landscape and bloom throughout much of the summer. Easy to grow and remarkably resilient, they’re another favorite that deer generally leave alone.

Peonies – Famous for their large, romantic blooms, peonies become more beautiful each year as they mature. Their sturdy foliage and distinctive scent make them a less desirable snack while providing years of reliable color.

Tickseed (Coreopsis) – If you’re looking for long-lasting blooms with very little maintenance, tickseed is an excellent choice. Its cheerful yellow flowers continue blooming through much of the season and perform exceptionally well in sunny locations.

Coneflowers (Echinacea) – A true garden workhorse, coneflowers offer vibrant color while attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. They’re drought tolerant, easy to care for, and are typically passed over by deer.

For even greater success, consider planting deer-resistant varieties together and mixing in ornamental grasses or fragrant herbs. Creating layers of texture and scent makes your garden more visually interesting while naturally discouraging browsing.

Remember, healthy, well-established plants are also more resilient. Water deeply, mulch around new plantings, and give young plants time to develop strong root systems before the hottest part of summer.

At 2 Wild Poppies, we know every yard—and every deer—is a little different. Our team is always happy to help you choose plants that fit your landscape, thrive in Northern Nevada, and help you spend more time enjoying your garden instead of replacing it.

This summer, let the deer become part of the view—not part of your landscaping crew.