Many factors are contributing to the disappearance of the native plants of our region and the birds and butterflies that need them. The gardeners of Pound Ridge can play a part in slowing this decline in our area by adding some of these beautiful specimens to their landscape.
Why should you use native plants? Native landscapes provide habitats for wildlife. They encourage the presence of beneficial insects and microorganisms that help keep these plants healthy without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In addition to not needing chemicals, once these natives are established in appropriate sites, they don't need supplemental watering (except during extreme drought). The native garden is economical in time and money, it is ecological, it lets your landscape fit into its surroundings and offers a welcome place for you and your family.
For those of you without deer fencing the following is a list of 'deer tolerant' native plants (such as the New York Aster shown). It was put together not just from a list of plants but by a gardener with experience here in Pound Ridge. For those with fences there are too many other stunning natives to be listed here.
There are no truly deer resistant plants; any plant when eaten repeatedly will succumb and deer will eat ANYTHING when hungry enough. However the following list is a compilation from personal experience and observation and several existing lists of "deer proof plants".