Thanks so much for your suggestion about the cat, Merv! My cats are indoor-only, so the rabbits are lucky in that respect! I’ve read that some people will put out “used cat littler” around their gardens, but I can’t bring myself to do that. Maybe I should try leaving some cat fur around… That’s also a good tip about burying the chicken wire down a few inches too — as yes, those rabbits are diggers. I’m already thinking about the upcoming Winter season, as the rabbits were everywhere last Winter. I saw a fox periodically last Winter after spotting the pawprints in the snow (caught on our security cameras in the middle of the night) chasing the rabbits, but I wish he/she would come around more often and bring friends!

Have had a terrible experience with rabbits on our new property for the last 6 years. Chicken wire has worked in most cases but you really need to bury it a few inches down as the rabbits will start digging under the wire if it just sits on the ground. . At my former house where I had a multitude of plants, the only thing that kept them out of the yard was having a cat. I read somewhere where rabbits respond to something chasing them, dogs, cats. When I had cats, I never ever had a problem in 10+ years. Even after my last cat died, the rabbits never touched anything which I think is because the cat smell still kept them out. Hope this helps someone.

Sorry you’re experiencing the joy of rabbits too, Amanda. I like that you called it a plague, as it sure feels that way. Interesting the rabbits have left your Dahlias alone, as others have said they’ve been eaten. I didn’t grow any Dahlias for that reason, and now I’m wondering if I should try next year. It is frustrating to say the least. Thanks for weighing in — I do appreciate it!

Thank you for this fantastic list of plants, Chris! This is so helpful! I had rabbits bite some of my daffodil leaves this year too, and was relieved they decided they didn’t like them. Your chicken wire solution is indeed something I’ve been considering for the Winter, especially for certain shrubs like my Fothergilla. Although they chewed some of the Fothergilla stems down quite a bit, I am happy to report that the shrubs rebounded and are a nice size this Summer. Still, I need to better protect some of these shrubs and perennials. I grow some of what you grow, but not others…but now they are on my list to consider when I want to add new plants! I really appreciate your sharing this here!