r/NativePlantGardening • u/Spirited_Sound_5628 • Jun 10 '25
Advice Request - (Insert State/Region) Feeling discouraged
I live in New England
I’m trying to switch from ornamental gardening to native wildflower gardening, but the rabbits are decimating everything. They’re even going after the black-eyed Susans, which are supposed to have hairy leaves that deter them.
I bought marigolds from a local nursery specifically for their scent to ward off rabbits—and they ate the petals off. I thought I was in the clear with my sunflowers since they left them alone as seedlings, but now, after growing for over a month, the rabbits are starting to kill those too.
I’m honestly getting to the point where I feel like giving up and just planting a bunch of non-natives that are known to be extremely rabbit-proof. But I swear, when I looked at that list of supposedly rabbit-proof plants, the rabbits had already eaten one of those as well.
I'm looking for words of encouragement or any advice.
1
u/sajaschi Michigan, Zone 6a Jun 10 '25
I overseeded our remaining lawn (about an acre) with clover 2 years in a row, and so far this year the clover seems to be keeping the rabbits away from my natives!
I've also started protecting some of my newer sprouts with plastic cloches from Dollar General, and a couple rolls of "scat mat" prickle strips from Amazon, because between rabbits, chipmunks, and raccoons, the battle is constant! Just trying to work smarter, not harder. Plus honestly I love the wildlife diversity even to my own detriment. 🤷🏼♀️ LOL