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July 19, 2017
Deer-proof Native Plants
Since my wife and I live near the Celery Farm, which is overrun with White-tailed Deer, the native plants in our yard have taken a beating (or should I say "an eating")?
This spring we have added a new plant to the mix — Prickly Pear Cactus — which is native to New Jersey. So far, the deer have said "ix-nay" to the "actus-cay."
Nice-looking bloom, too. I've seen 'em on High Mountain.
Did I mention the cactus is also called "the Devil's Tongue"? And there's even a snack bar (right) that features it?
Clearly, this plant has it all.
More on these cacti, or cactuses, here. (Not sure why it's categorized as a harmful plant, except to the "bare feet" mentioned in the link. Anybody know?)
6 comments
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Mines in bloom now and yes it not fun weeding ,tried sprinkling mulch down to keep weeds out ….
There a nice Prickly Pear Cactus patch at Federal Hill in Riverdale by the cave door over looking I-287 by the Quarry .Loves to grow on the rocks loves the sun rays…… -
I’ve had one of these in my yard for years and I love it. The flowers attract some species of bees I don’t see on any other plants.
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I’ll have to put Prickly Pear Cactus all over my yard. Where can I get some? Or is there any deer deterrent that really works beside fencing?
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Posting was the word
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Very cool pisying. Native to NJ. Who knew? You. Children’s trilogy book is a big hit in my summer school. As usual, I love reading them again and again.
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Mine is planted in a “rock” garden at the end of my driveway at the road. When in bloom, it is spectacular. It stands up to the snow removal each winter, and takes no care at all. I do, however, curse it when weeding needs to be done in that garden. It would be foolish to go in bare handed, but those spines even find a way through leather gloves!
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6 comments
Ginny
Mines in bloom now and yes it not fun weeding ,tried sprinkling mulch down to keep weeds out ….
There a nice Prickly Pear Cactus patch at Federal Hill in Riverdale by the cave door over looking I-287 by the Quarry .Loves to grow on the rocks loves the sun rays……
Patrick Carney
I’ve had one of these in my yard for years and I love it. The flowers attract some species of bees I don’t see on any other plants.
Sue
I’ll have to put Prickly Pear Cactus all over my yard. Where can I get some? Or is there any deer deterrent that really works beside fencing?
Sally
Posting was the word
Sally
Very cool pisying. Native to NJ. Who knew? You. Children’s trilogy book is a big hit in my summer school. As usual, I love reading them again and again.
Diane
Mine is planted in a “rock” garden at the end of my driveway at the road. When in bloom, it is spectacular. It stands up to the snow removal each winter, and takes no care at all. I do, however, curse it when weeding needs to be done in that garden. It would be foolish to go in bare handed, but those spines even find a way through leather gloves!