Spring tips for critter-proof native plants

TL;DR

Dave Epstein shares mid-April planting advice and answers reader questions on critter-resistant shrubs and flowers.
Recommends native plants like Spiraea alba, pinxterbloom azalea, goldenrod, and asters that attract pollinators and deter rabbits and deer.
Gardeners should plant perennials now, wait until mid-June to replace winter-damaged plants, and use fences or sprays against rabbits.

The story at a glance

Dave Epstein, a Boston Globe gardening correspondent, offers tips for late April planting in New England and responds to readers facing pest problems like rabbits, deer, and squirrels. He focuses on native, pollinator-friendly shrubs and perennials for sunny or shady spots that resist critters. The piece comes out in mid-spring to guide timely garden work after a winter with deep snow cover.

Key points

Plant perennials, trees, and shrubs now, but hold off on warm-weather crops.
Spiraea alba (meadowsweet): Native shrub with white summer flowers, supports pollinators, deer-resistant; for small gardens to avoid bending into tick areas.[[1]](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/18/metro/dave-epstein-spring-gardening-tips/?s_campaign=bdc:globewell:trending&adobe_mc=MCMID=53310154485270683500712233012897982193|MCORGID=14A138B352784AD10A490D4C%40AdobeOrg|TS=1776513652)[[2]](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/18/metro/dave-epstein-spring-gardening-tips)
Rhododendron periclymenoides (pinxterbloom azalea): Grows 3-10 feet, pink or white flowers, sun or shade, pollinated by bees and butterflies, deer-resistant.
For rabbit-damaged plants, wait until mid-June to decide on removal, as established ones often recover.
Rabbit controls: Fences around vegetable gardens work well; sprays effective but need reapplication after rain.
Rabbit-resistant natives for sun/shade: Goldenrod (Solidago), stiff goldenrod (Solidago rigida), wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), mountain mint (Pycnanthemum), beardtongue (Penstemon), Amsonia; rabbits avoid coarse textures or bad tastes.
Asters like New England (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), aromatic (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium), swamp (Symphyotrichum puniceum), and white wood (Eurybia divaricata) handle drought, wet soil, or partial shade.

Details and context

Rabbits pose a big challenge for vegetable and flower gardeners, especially after deep winter snow that led to bark and plant damage. Epstein notes animals like squirrels, deer, and groundhogs also raid gardens, but lavender and irises have worked for one reader on a sunny hillside and shady yard.

He pushes native plants because they support local bees, butterflies, and moths while resisting pests better than non-natives like Spiraea japonica. For unpredictable rain, asters' deep roots and tough leaves help them cope.

April stands out for filling garden gaps as plants emerge quickly.

Key quotes

"Wait until we get into mid-June before making any decisions about removing plants. Established plants can often recover more than you would expect." — Dave Epstein[[1]](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/18/metro/dave-epstein-spring-gardening-tips/?s_campaign=bdc:globewell:trending&adobe_mc=MCMID=53310154485270683500712233012897982193|MCORGID=14A138B352784AD10A490D4C%40AdobeOrg|TS=1776513652)
"Rabbits tend not to like coarsely textured perennials or perennials with foul taste." — Dave Epstein[[1]](https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/04/18/metro/dave-epstein-spring-gardening-tips/?s_campaign=bdc:globewell:trending&adobe_mc=MCMID=53310154485270683500712233012897982193|MCORGID=14A138B352784AD10A490D4C%40AdobeOrg|TS=1776513652)

Why it matters

Native, pest-resistant plants help New England gardeners build low-maintenance yards that aid pollinators amid changing weather and rising critter pressure. Readers get practical picks for small spaces or slopes, plus ways to protect veggies without constant re-spraying. Watch local nurseries for these natives through May, and check plant recovery by mid-June.