Understanding the wildlife and choosing particular plants can significantly reduce the likelihood of your garden becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet for local animals. SKAPEWORX can help by offering both landscaping and hardscaping solutions that can protect your garden while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Understanding the Local Fauna

Park City is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and elk, which can pose significant challenges for gardeners and homeowner’s carefully designed landscapes. These animals are attracted to gardens and foliage that provide easy access to food, especially in areas where their natural habitat is decreasing. The key to protecting your garden is to select plants that are naturally less appealing to these animals.

Selecting the Right Plants

Perennials

• Lavender (Lavandula spp.) and Sage (Salvia spp.): These plants are not only beautiful and aromatic but also have a natural resistance to deer and rabbits. Their strong scents act as a deterrent, making them excellent choices for border plantings.
• Catmint (Nepeta spp.): With its lush foliage and attractive flowers, catmint is a favorite among gardeners but not among local wildlife. Its pungent odor is a natural repellent.

Shrubs

• Boxwood (Buxus spp.) and Barberry (Berberis spp.): These shrubs are less palatable to deer due to their dense foliage and, in the case of barberry, thorny stems. They can form effective barriers when planted around the perimeter of a garden.
• Juniper (Juniperus spp.): Known for its hardy nature and sharp needles, juniper is a good option for areas prone to wildlife intrusion.

Trees

• Spruce (Picea spp.) and Maple (Acer spp.): While no tree is completely safe from a determined animal, these species are less likely to be severely damaged. Their height and the texture of their bark make them less attractive for browsing.

Grasses and Groundcovers

• Ornamental Grasses (such as Miscanthus spp. and Panicum spp.): Their height and the fact that they are not typically preferred as a food source make them a good choice for adding texture to the landscape while deterring animals.
• Thyme (Thymus spp.): As a groundcover, thyme spreads quickly, providing a fragrant carpet that is less appealing to grazers.

The Role of Plants in Animal Deterrence

Incorporating these plants into your landscape design creates a natural deterrent, reducing the likelihood of wildlife damage. Animals tend to avoid areas with unfavorable tastes, scents, or textures. A strategic selection of these plants can lead to a decrease in the frequency and intensity of wildlife visits to your garden.

Beyond Plants: Integrated Solutions for Protecting Your Garden

While selecting the right plants is crucial, integrating physical barriers and hardscape elements can provide additional protection. Skapeworx expertise in creating functional and attractive hardscapes, like retaining walls, can significantly enhance these protective measures.

Retaining Walls and Hardscapes

Retaining walls are more than just functional; they are a key element in landscape design that can help protect gardens from wildlife. Skapeworx designs retaining walls that not only manage soil erosion but also incorporate planting strategies for wildlife-resistant plants. These structures can act as physical barriers, making it difficult for animals to access the garden, while also adding aesthetic value to the property.

Combining Aesthetics with Functionality

At Skapeworx our approach to landscape design focuses on combining aesthetic appeal with functionality. By integrating wildlife-resistant plants with hardscaping elements, we help you create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and sustainable. This holistic approach ensures that gardens are not only visually pleasing but also resilient to the challenges posed by local wildlife.