What would we do without the marauding deer herd in the spring landscape? Likely prune more frequently, yet have a lush garden packed with all manner of thriving plants, thanks to the lack of the nightly gnawing and stripping of bark and leaves.

Plants all over Shepherdstown are hanging on for “deer” life. What’s an Eastern Panhandle gardener to do about this vexing problem? There are numerous deer deterrent options, such as erecting fences and protective wiring, applying repellents and deploying scare devices.

Yet the most convenient and cost-effective solution of all might simply be selecting deer resistant plants, for installation in your landscape. Otherwise, after a spring of leaf and bark destruction, new plants that attract the whitetails often fail in the harsh heat and humidity of summer.

And there are such plants. Let’s consider noteworthy flora that will be blooming soon, both native and introduced species. Deer sidestep around the familiar annuals zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, coreopsis and the blue mist ageratum. And generally speaking, deer avoid petunias, impatiens and begonias, although they have been known to munch while browsing.

They also generally steer clear of perennials verbena, hellebore, catmint, peonies, iris, foxgloves and daisies. But the four-legged pests have been known to nibble black-eyed Susans and purple coneflowers to the ground and tear tender, young firethorn branches, without eating the broken stems.

Luckily, deer take a detour around the shrubs gardenia, threadleaf cypress and boxwood. Extra precaution is needed with hydrangeas in some locations, as they are often found attractive. And deer may break the blooming branches of rhododendrons and azaleas, without even bothering to dine.

It is heartbreaking to see a buck rear up to strip the leaves from the lower branches of flowering dogwood, eastern redbud or even the American beech when the nuts are forming. Safer bets to plant are snowbell, holly, ginkgo, buckeye and spruce trees.

Herbs, both culinary and aromatic, bring some relief to the garden. So tuck a few rosemary plants in with hosta, sage with daylilies and thyme with tall sedum. Lavender and green santolina are superb plants to mingle right in with your loveliest plants, to keep the deer somewhat at bay. Be mindful of sun requirements for plant combinations.

No plants are truly deer proof, except those displayed indoors. And there are plants that we just can’t live without, regardless of how susceptible they are to deer destruction. In this case, rely on taste and odor-based sprays and granules to add a measure of protection through a rainfall or two. Ask neighbors for bargain recommendations that have been effective in protecting their landscape gems. Even so, be aware that deer are known to adjust to sprays’ and granules’ scent and taste, and resume their attack. Research before purchasing.

Kristi Hendricks is a graduate of Shepherd College and West Virginia University and a Master Gardener with the Virginia Cooperative Extension. She can be reached at belowthejames@yahoo.com.