Okanagan Landscaping: Ask Jeff Collins

Question: I live on the edge of Vernon and deer often come into my yard and eat my shrubs and plants. What can I do to stop this?

Jeff: There is nothing that will 100% stop deer from eating plants. Eggs blended with water (3-4 egs for 2 litre bottle) and sprayed liberally on plants will deter deer for about 2-3 weeks. Your landscaping plant and shrub choices can make a difference since some deer are attracted to certain species more than others.

Question: I would like to cut back on water useage by xeriscaping, but I've seen some yards that look like rocky wastelands. It is possible to have lots of green and lessen water useage? Does there have to be lots of rocks?

Jeff: Xeriscaping design techniques open a variety of opportunities for exciting landscape architecture. In the last 20 years very modern elements have been developed in Southern California and Las Vegas. Xeriscaping principals, even if strictly applied can yield a dry climate design which incorporates lots of green indigenous Okanagan plant species, while incorporating a pleasing landscape design. Rocks need not be included at all, however if used correctly and creatively, can be much more than just ground cover.

Question: Where do people get that red colour rock which is popular on Middleton Mountain and is it expensive?

Jeff: It's often, in Vernon BC that is, called Lumby Shale. There are a number of sources of this type of shale with varying prices in the North Okanagan area. There are a number types of shale that are used for Vernon landscaping and, if cost is an issue, some alternatives to using Lumby shale.

Question: I would like to have a waterfall but my partner thinks it will use a lot of water, require lots of maintenance and electricity to pump the water?

Jeff: Water features can be surprisingly low on maintenance, water useage and electricity. Over the last decade, new pump designs, combined with new design principles means that you can "have your cake and eat it too." Some designs can use very little water and electricity but give that lovey sound of water which enlivens a backyard landscape or provides a delightful welcome in the front yard entrance. As long as people have been around, we've like the look and listen of running water.

Send Jeff your Okanagan landscaping questions.