Deer Ate My Impatiens?

[RandomGemini]

I have no wish to harm the local wildlife, but this is so frustrating!!!

We have a small group of does that have moved into the neighborhood. Shooting is prohibited here and I think they have figured out that they are safe with their fawns here. We have a long tradition of stopping to let the local wildlife cross the street, including a group of wild turkeys. People stop even during morning rush hour and I think a neighbor may even put out feed for the deer. I don't mind them, really except for this:



Something ate my impatiens!!

Is there an annual that does well in shaded containers that the deer won't eat? I just want something that maybe smells bad to them or is unappetizing.

Thanks!

[Subrosa]

Nightshades such as Solanum nigrum are good. A deer might eat them. Once.

[RandomGemini]

I neglected to mention that this is in my front yard, which is not fenced and my neighbors have kids. So um, I'm gonna have to pass on that option. LOL!

[Orchid Whisperer]

See : Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance: Home, Lawn & Ga...

[Hiester]

I see this one is on the Rutgers U. list...

I was gonna suggest Catharanthus rosea, the Annual Vinca, as I have grown it in shade, it looks very much like Impatiens from a distance, enjoys similar soil conditions, and apparently (I wasn't for certain) it is deer resistant. It comes in a variety of colors from white into shades of pink and magenta. I actually liked it better than the Impatiens once I gave it a try.

[RandomGemini]

Thanks for the suggestion Heister! That's just about perfect! I'll write it down with my landscape plan for next spring!

[AnonYMouse]

I house sat for a month on a deer freeway. To protect the flower beds (pansies I think), I grated a whole bar of Irish Spring soap onto the beds.

I don't remember where I read/heard about it nor its effectiveness. I also don't remember why Irish Spring since I don't use it. I just remember holding a box grater in one hand and a waxy striped block in the other.

[RandomGemini]

That's worth a shot too! Thanks for the tip!

[RJSquirrel]

its the human scent of the soap they dont like...

Something been stealin my moss off my plants. I tried to transplant moss in the tree and somethin stole it too...
squirrels

havent seen any Deer yet. A few coyotes roaming the street diggin in the trash.

Poor animals we run them off their land and then we complain

[Leafmite]

Deer, chipmunks, and groundhogs can cause so much damage.