Good Design is more important than ever

by Clara Aleman, RLA, ASLA
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​That’s how Karen started her talk about her latest book on September 23rd, 2019 at an LDG event. 

I'm talking about Karen Chapman, owner of Le jardinet, co-author of Fine Foliage, the acclaimed, Gardening with Foliage First, and several articles featured in various publications.   And her latest book - Deer-Resistant Design, the topic of this article.

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Why is her new book titled Deer-Resistant Design? 
 
Well, as she so simply stated, and bears repeating, because “good design is more important than ever.”
 
Karen found that many home owners with deer in their yard, tend to come for garden advice only after many failed attempts that took up time, effort and money.
 
In her new book, she offers homeowners that share their yard with deer to - start with a plan – a plan that includes deer as part of the garden experience.

​She offered 8 key design principles for a deer-resistant garden.

1. Establish the hardscape.  Think about shapes, materials, sight lines to create a sense of order.
2. Non-edible focal points (water features, containers, structures) – distract and re-focus attention.
3. Color palette – Be strategic and create a sense of unity and order.
4. Varying textures and heights of plants – easier to “hide” minor damage than a sheared hedge.
5. Foliage framework – taste testing less obvious than if lower buds are nipped off.
6. Plant selection – focus on deer resistant plants (levels A and B) and think in combinations.
7. Avoid monoculture – because you KNOW the deer will have to taste it….
8. Barriers – re-route and/or protect with sprays, temporary fencing etc. (Important for year round browsing as well as fall rutting/antlering). 

I don't want to give much more away, because I highly recommend you READ THE BOOK!

And, please check out her website ... for lots of happy reading!