I've had great success using dandelions and borage as edging crops to satisfy the local groundhog. Both are self-sowing (read: cheap) and virtually indestructible, as long as the root remains. Our whistlepig seems to be especially fond of the dandelion flowers, but the borage she eats down to the crown. The dandelions are in the grass she has to cross to get from her burrow to the garden beds, and the borage forms a kind of buffer or border within the beds themselves, about 6 inches deep. Since we discovered this combination, we've had no groundhog damage to anything else in the garden. Now if we could only find some way to keep the raccoons out of the corn . . .
As far as deer go, I don't have any personal experience, but anecdotal evidence from others suggests that hostas are very high on the deer list of preferred foods. As hostas spread well and are easily propagated by division, they might be a good choice for a relatively inexpensive, low-maintenance deer border. I do know of several people who have had great success keeping deer out of their wood-surrounded yards by stringing fishing line around the perimeter about 36" above the ground. The deer don't see it, and it really freaks them out when they bump into it. It's also pretty inexpensive to put up and maintain, and it's not an eyesore. I hope this is helpful. Good luck! Jennifer Barricklow Lexington, KY ______________________________________________________ The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden
