I love wildlife, but how do I keep them out of my garden? (ASK Around)

With spring in full swing, I've been spending more time out on my deck with my windows open to let in the fresh air -- and the bird songs! They're a constant reminder that my yard is home to many, many creatures besides me, some easier to get along with than others. Some creatures can wreak havoc on our plants, such as deer nibbling on your trees and shrubs, groundhogs digging holes in the garden, or birds nabbing ripe berries from the bush. Here are some basic principles you can keep in mind to coexist peacefully with our creaturely neighbors -- perhaps from a bit more of a distance!

1. Minimize things that attract unwanted wildlife, where possible. If you're serving lots of their favorite snack, they'll keep coming back for more! Common examples are hostas (for deer), clover, and unfortunately many fruits and vegetables you'd like to grow for your self. For garden produce, be sure to keep on top of harvesting so that you can enjoy them before someone else does. Other items that may attract wildlife include water sources (such as bird baths), unattended pet food, and garbage or compost that aren't properly secured.

2. Add yard elements that repel unwanted wildlife. This can include plants that have an unappealing taste or scent to the animals you want to ward off. Marigolds and lavender are famously unattractive to various pests from insects to rodents and larger animals as well due to their strong scents. Many animals will also avoid strong herbs such as mint, oregano, thyme, and others. Alternatively, or in addition, you can also spray liquid repellents that might include substances that smell foul or even frightening to animals, such as garlic, cayenne pepper, egg, bloodmeal, or synthetic chemicals. You can purchase repellents or try home-made ones, but in either case keep in mind they'll need to be regularly reapplied, especially after rain.

Do my own: https://www.domyown.com/liquid-fence-deer-rabbit-repellent-concentrate-113-p-1856.html 

Sometimes a plant that is attractive to one kind of animal might be repulsive or even toxic to another. For example, deer love snacking on azaleas and rhododendrons, which are toxic to rabbits and other small animals. Something to bear in mind when choosing a "resistant" plant for your yard!

3. Maintain your yard's landscaping and any physical barriers. Leaving a patch of brush or tall grass or even a pile of wood or stones at the back of your property might not bother you, but it can create cover and habitat for wildlife. In contrast, fences can keep animals out, as can barrier techniques like fishing line that confuses and scare away even large wildlife. Fences should be at least 2 feet tall for rabbits or 3 feet tall for groundhogs (plus a foot underground to prevent digging underneath). To protect specific trees or plants, you can implement targeted measures, such as installing a guard around a tree trunk or a mesh/net enclosure around berry bushes.

https://www.domyown.com/bird-gone-garden-netting-p-26121.html 

Sometimes, it's not obvious if a yard critter is a friend or a foe. Check out this past ASK Around article to learn more about whether snails, slugs, caterpillars and other common critters should be welcome in your garden.

Here are some resources you can look to for help with specific wildlife or techniques:

• Deer (University of Minnesota Extension)
• Rabits, groundhogs, and others (University of Massachusetts)
• Birds and berries/fruit (University of Massachusetts)