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Birds
In our area, bluebirds often begin nesting in March and can raise three broods over the course of the year. You will see pairs house-hunting as early as November. Putting out new boxes in late fall or early winter will let you test whether your siting is attractive or could be improved. Be sure to use a baffle to protect the house from mammalian predators and snakes.
While bluebirds prefer open areas for nesting, enriching your landscape with quality berry sources and natives that support insects will provide the critical foods needed during different times of the year.
- Twelve Ways to Design a Bird-friendly Garden
- Environmentally Responsible Landscaping for Bluebirds and Other Birds
Deer & Rabbits
Expect deer and rabbits to look for food in your garden because their natural forage is scarce. Many woody and herbaceous evergreens are at risk! Determine whether damage is from deer or rabbits so that you can choose an appropriate protection strategy. Rabbits cut vegetation cleanly, while deer tear vegetation.
- Because it is very difficult to deter hungry deer, the best protection is exclusion. If a deer fence is not an option, try using cages made of wire fencing around individual plants. Deer-repellent sprays may be helpful but are best used before browsing has begun and should be varied through the season to ensure that deer don’t learn to ignore the scent or taste. Most need to be reapplied after a rain. Taste repellents must also be reapplied so that new growth is protected.
Deer-resistant Plants
Deer damage
Using Commercial Deer Repellents to Manage Deer Browsing in the Landscape - Low fencing will exclude rabbits provided that burrowing is prevented. Repellents are not particularly effective.
Rabbits
