Twenty resilient plant options for your garden that can withstand heavy foot traffic and harsh conditions.
In the world of gardening, slugs and snails can pose a significant challenge. However, there are several strategies to create a slug-resistant garden that thrives and attracts pollinators.
Cyclamen, with their early spring and late autumn blooms, are perfect for naturalising under trees or in shady borders. They can be purchased from Crocus, Sarah Raven, and Thompson & Morgan. Another plant that thrives in shady conditions is the fern, available from the same retailers.
For ground cover, consider Alchemilla mollis with its apple-green, fan-shaped leaves and lime-green flowers, or the hardy geranium, which is sometimes invasive but undeniably stunning. Both plants can be grown in the sun or shade and are available from Crocus, Sarah Raven, and Thompson & Morgan.
Astrantias, with their flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, are well-suited to growing under trees, preferably in moist soil. They are ignored by slugs and snails, making them an excellent choice for a slug-resistant garden.
When it comes to slug control, some methods can be time-consuming and may not be effective. Instead, focus on choosing plants that slugs generally avoid eating. These include herbs with strong scents like thyme, garlic, rosemary, sage, basil, and parsley, which act as natural slug deterrents.
Other plants that slugs dislike include salvias, woody-stemmed shrubs like Agapanthus and Eryngium, and certain perennials like daylilies and scabious. Ornamental plants like hosta, heuchera, iris, lupin, sweet pea, gerbera, delphinium, dahlia, chrysanthemum, marigold, coleus, petunia, and pansy are less attractive to slugs or even used as sacrificial plants.
In addition to choosing plants that slugs dislike, some gardeners use companion planting strategies with strong-scented herbs or plants like lavender and roses to deter slugs around more vulnerable plants. Natural repellents such as coffee grounds can also be used around slug-prone plants as they help repel slugs and snails while also fertilizing the soil.
Some plants are unpalatable to slugs due to their milky sap, like euphorbia. Japanese anemones, with their rough leaves and daisy-like flowers, are also generally avoided by slugs. Hydrangeas, with their mophead and lacecap flowers, are unpalatable to slugs and snails, making them a good choice for a slug-proof garden.
For a burst of late pollen and nectar for pollinators in autumn, consider crocosmia 'Lucifer' with their strap-like leaves and orange-red blooms. Fuchsias, with their attractive, pendant flowers throughout summer, and heuchera, or coral bells, with their range of colourful leaves, are also good choices for a slug-resistant garden.
Lastly, don't forget about penstemons, cranesbill geraniums, astilbe, and campanulas, all of which are unpalatable to slugs and snails and offer beautiful blooms.
In summary, when selecting plants for a slug-resistant garden, focus on strong-scented herbs, plants with tough or hairy foliage, woody-stemmed shrubs, and certain toxic or unpalatable plants to reduce slug damage effectively. Lavender, hellebores, and ajuga reptans are fantastic additions to any slug-proof garden.
In this slug-resistant garden, the hardy geranium and Alchemilla mollis offer suitable options for ground cover, both being available from Crocus, Sarah Raven, and Thompson & Morgan. To attract pollinators, consider planting Astrantias, Hydrangeas, or crocosmia 'Lucifer' in areas under trees or in shady borders.
