APRIL 2025 TIPS

 

Tip 1:   Deer Everywhere

Deer, deer everywhere. They’re eating my yard up. I refer to them as large rodents. Controlling deer damage is a tough one. Keep in mind fawns don’t know what NOT to eat; Doe’s can’t say no – no to that. They may initially nibble on plants, but usually spit them out. Also, the plants listed below are not deer-proof, but usually deer-resistant. Repellents may work, but the critters get used to it so you have to use something else, and go back and forth. I have seen cougar urine for sale as a repellent, but don’t use it. Collection to me is an unethical process.

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Try using plants that deer tend to stay away from;

Any plants that are fuzzy, such as lambs ear, Ornamental grasses, Herbs, Lavender, Iris, Sages, Mock Orange, Bee Balm (Monarda), Cone Flower (Echinacea), Shasta Daisy, Spruce, Oregon Grape, Siberian Pea Tree ……………… just to name a few.

 

 

Tip 2:    Spring planting of trees and shrubs in Klamath

Trees and shrubs can be planted this time of year as long as the ground isn’t frozen, and the plants are dormant. If a store’s roses are blooming or the tree is leafed out, don’t buy it! Don’t buy it! Don’t plant it! We will have one of those Klamath Basin deep freezes, and “poof”. The leaves will shrivel up and die. A tree that has “over-wintered” outdoors in Klamath would normally withstand our funny weather in April.

 

 

Tip 3:    About ornamental grasses

I like to leave them alone throughout the winter. Reason: small birds like to eat the seeds when food sources are scarce. But now, most seeds are gone. Pruning tall grasses to 12” (no shorter) will help them start growing later.

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