Herbal ground covers repel many types of insects when planted in conjunction with compatible fruit and vegetable crops as well as other herbs. One reader responded with a fascinating and non toxic idea that you ll find in this week s column below.
Forget the ground cover idea.
Ground cover that repels snakes. Not only will they be hidden from prey but the canopy above protects them from the weather and from airborne predators. Both the foliage and the roots are used to repel snakes. By including plants that repel snakes in your traditional landscaping choices you can have the best of both worlds.
Citronella is also a by product of lemongrass which mosquitoes detest. You can now purchase snake repellent that is safe for use around pets and people. If you are looking for a traditional ground cover plant this is an excellent choice for your yard.
Low lying shrub or trees which hang low off the ground offer the perfect hiding place for snakes. And not the impression you want to give. The indian snakeroot contains reserpine which is known to cause sleepiness and to slow down one s heart rate.
This is one of the best plants that repel snakes mosquitoes and even ticks from your garden. Mint wards off cabbage moths cabbage maggots aphids. Also known as devil pepper or rauvolfia serpentina the indian snakeroot is a plant used as a traditional medicine in india and other countries in east asia.
The difference between this plant and most snake repellent plants is that the snakes are not repelled by the scent of this plant. It is made from natural essential oils of rosemary cinnamon clove cedar and garlic plus peanut hulls and sulfur. Put down a good layer of damp newspaper several pages thick then add your landscape fabric.
Fresh clean and low maintenance will sell better. To effectively repel snakes the fence must reach about 6 inches into the ground and slant outward at a 30 degree angle. Snake scram is a powerful granular scent based snake repellent.
American plant exchange sansevieria trifasciata snake laurentii live plant 6 pot indoor air purifier this plant is a plant commonly used in landscaping that is said to repel snakes. Lemongrass produces a citrus smell that deters snakes. But first let s look at some recent questions from readers.
In a recent plant man column a reader asked for suggestions to rid his landscape of snakes without having to kill them. Your little landscape wall project sounds perfect for the site. Although a snake proof fence for your yard or garden is perhaps the costliest and most labor intensive method for repelling snakes it s also an efficient long term solution that is completely eco friendly.
When you decide what species to plant in your yard consider these snake repelling plants. Ground covers can spell quot unkempt quot. Lemongrass is drought resistant and easy to maintain.