50 Beautiful Deer-Resistant Plants

Starred review from September 1, 2011

Freelance garden writer Clausen (former horticulture editor, Country Living Gardener; Perennials for American Gardens) shares her years of experience preventing deer from destroying ornamental gardens. She begins by explaining her deer-resistance rating for plants, then offers a brief section on deterring deer, in which she covers topics from fences to repellents. The heart of her book focuses on designing a deer-resistant garden using 50 plants that deer do not often find palatable. Each subsection (annuals, perennials, shrubs, ferns, bulbs, herbs, and grasses) is arranged by common name. Each plant has a three-page entry that includes the scientific name, USDA hardiness zones, mature size, deer-resistance rating, description of the plant, cultural information, how to use the plant, descriptions of available cultivars, and numerous suggestions of pleasing plant combinations. Each entry has a beautiful full-page photograph of the plant. VERDICT This visually appealing, practical, authoritative book is highly recommended for gardeners in deer country who would like to have a beautiful garden without fencing as their only solution.--Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.