Q. We recently built a new home and we are planning our landscaping. The problem is that there are deer everywhere. Any hints as to what to plant and not to plant? Mary Foster, Clancy MT.

A. The deer problem in Helena and the surround areas is at a peak. This time of year in particular is when the deer are eating anything and everything to fatten up for the winter. Deer aren't the only animals that eat through your garden; rabbits too will munch on your tulips, peas, beans, and young trees. If you are unsure as to who is eating what, just look at the damaged plant. Deer often leave a jagged or torn edge, whereas rabbits leave a clean cut usually at a 45 degree angle. There are several ways to deter deer from your yard, but if the deer are hungry enough they will eat anything. Here are some ways to discourage the deer from eating your landscaped yard.

Don't plant their favorite foods

This might seem obvious but you would be surprised how many people plant certain plants and then complain about the deer. Unless you are willing to cover and protect them avoid the following plants: arborvitae, apple trees, crabapple, clematis, euonymus, fir, daylilies, tulips, strawberries, hostas, blackberries, raspberries, violets, hybrid tea roses, vinca, trillium and vegetables.

Plant flowers and trees they avoid

Trees -- ash, birch, hemlock, and spruce

Shrubs -- barberry, boxwood, forsythia, lilac, rugosa and potentillo

Perennial vines -- bittersweet, grape and honeysuckle

Bulbs -- crocus, daffodil, grape hyacinth and snowdrops

Flowers -- beebalm, astilbe, columbine, peony, purple coneflower, yucca, coreopsis, pinks, bleeding hearts, cranesbill, sunflower, hellebore, and foxglove.

Herbs -- Basil, catmint, chives, dill, lambs ear, oregano, and sage

Fencing

Placing an 8- foot fence sloped outward at a 45 degree angle will keep the deer out. A more natural solution is to plant a row of Rugosa roses along the edge of the yard, the deer don't like walking through the thorny bushes. Some highly fragrant herbs will actually repel deer such as catnip, chives, mint, lavender, sage and thyme. Plant these along the borders of your flower beds. I would, however, fence in your vegetable garden, this will keep out the deer and the rabbits.

Repellents

It seems everyone has their own recipe for deer repellent. The most effective one seems to be mixing hot pepper sauce with water and Wilt-Pruf spray. Other methods you could try include soap on a rope, human hair in a bag, and mixtures with rotten eggs. Commercial repellents work well if reapplied frequently.

If you have any questions you would like to see answered in this column e-mail Catherine at thedesigngrp@hotmail.com or call 406-439-2687.