Q: I would like to plant some bulbs to brighten my garden in the spring, but our property is overrun by deer. Any suggestions for bulbs that just might make it into bloom without being chomped off?
A: According to Scott Kunst of Old House Gardens in Ann Arbor, Mich., a company that specializes in preserving bulbs, daffodils (Narcissus) and snowflakes (Leucojum) are usually completely animal-proof, while other bulbs that most animals won't touch include alliums, Camassia, glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa), Colchicum, Crocus tommasinianus, winter aconite (Eranthis), crown imperials (Fritillaria imperialis), snowdrops (Galanthus), hyacinths, Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides), Ipheion, grape hyacinths (Muscari), silver bells (Ornithogalum nutans) and Siberian squill (Scilla siberica).
Tulips and lilies, unfortunately, are a favorite on most animal menus.
For tips on keeping bulbs safe, see "Protecting from Animals" at newsletter@oldhousegardens. com, and also for advice on planting and care.
Dorothea Smith, Norwalk, Conn.-based master gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester