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Garden critters: As most gardeners learn, sooner or later: one person’s flower fantasy is just a free feast to some furry fiend.Animal pest problems occur in all seasons of the garden, but fall and spring are peak periods for plunder. Luckily these seasons, and fall in particular, are also the best times for beleaguered gardeners to mount a defense against foraging four-legged gourmands such as deer, squirrels, rabbits, voles, moles and other assorted animal pests.To pesky garden critters

Pest Resistant Bulbs

Garden pests such as deer and squirrels are a real problem in many areas of the country. Despite centuries of land development, the deer population in the U.S. is far greater now than when the Pilgrims landed. For gardeners in areas where such pests are voracious, the big question is: what won’t those animals eat?

In fall, gardeners gear up to plant spring-blooming bulbs. Some of the most popular bulbs, such as tulips and crocuses, are considered treats by animal pests. While others, such as daffodils and alliums, are generally shunned because of their bitter taste. Of course, if deer are truly starving, they’ll eat just about anything, including the bark off trees! But planting bulbs pests don’t prefer will greatly improve a garden’s overall survivability in problem areas.

Following is a “Quick List of Pest-Resistant Bulbs” from the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center in Danby, Vermont. All are ranked high on beauty and low on pest-appeal.

Love and Light Always