Rabbit-Proof Landscape

Fencing

• Fencing off a garden is one way to keep out unwanted pests, and chicken wire is the basic material of choice. This product is a mesh of galvanized metal wire and is available from just about any home improvement or garden store. The most commonly used size is 36 inches wide (when used as fencing, this measurement becomes its height), and should be embedded approximately 6 inches into the ground. This is a fairly inexpensive fencing option and is highly effective. A more advanced option is electric fencing, which does not require a trench. These fences are available from a number of manufacturers in different sizes and voltage, and made of a variety of materials.

Shrubs

• Shrubs provide color and structure, and work well when used to create a garden border. Several species are seldom, if ever, damaged by rabbits because their taste is unappealing to the critters. Among them is the common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), a member of the buxus genus. This family includes approximately 70 species, many of which are native to parts of Europe, Asia and Africa. These plants are generally slow growing, and eventually will reach between 6 and 24 feet in height. They should be grown in an area with full sun or partial shade and nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Additional options include common barberry (Berberis vulgaris), forsythia (Forsythia intermedia), spirea (Spiraea densiflora) and lilac (Syringa).

Trees

• Trees are both aesthetically appealing and functional in the garden. Some varieties keep rabbits at bay better than others, primarily because they are strongly scented or have an unappealing taste. This list includes those of the ash (Fraxinus) family, a genus with approximately 70 species, many of which are appropriate for rabbit-proofing a garden. Depending on the specific type, ash trees with grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 2 through 10 and can reach as tall as 70 feet in height. Most are fast growing and will produce lush leaves and flowers in the spring. Other options include beech (Fagus) trees, birch (Betula), juniper (Juniperus) and spruce (Picea) trees.

Flowers

• Flowering plants are among those most eaten by rabbits,but there are several varieties with smells or tastes that repel these garden intruders. Hydrangeas are a widely used flowering shrub that produces clumps of large blooms. These flowers offer bright color in the garden, and will stay healthy for several weeks when put in a vase. The plant requires full or partial sun, and soil that is slightly acidic and well draining in order to do well. They do best in Zones 4 through 7 and are extremely intolerant of cold weather. Daffodils (Narcissus), the autumn crocus (Colchicum), daylily (Hemerocallis) and columbine (Aguilegia) are all colorful alternatives. Some flowers, including the daffodil, daylily and the iris, are toxic to rabbits, which instinctively avoid them. Growers should keep in mind that these flowers also can be toxic when ingested by pets and people.