We all love our gardens. So, it’s quite a disappointment after our best efforts to discover the fruits of our labor with damaged foliage or even nibbled to nubs! It’s enough to make gardeners want to wield supersized sprayers full of harsh chemicals and pesticides.
However, if you’re seeking a more environmentally friendly solution – don’t despair – there’s another strategy for tackling this pesky problem head on. While there is no such thing as a garden free of all pests, some plants are naturally more resistant to attacks by critters such as deer, rabbits and garden-destroying insects.
You can protect your Encore® Azaleas and other beauties without harsh chemicals by shielding them with more pest-resistant plants. This can be achieved by incorporating plants with strong textures – such as fuzzy or spiny leaves – or plants with aromatic or bitter leaves, into your garden design. Since there are many lovely plants that meet these criteria, you have plenty of options for creating a gorgeous, and more importantly, pest resistant, garden.
Try these pest resistant suggestions from the Southern Living Plant Collection:
To complement red or white azaleas, plant:
Obsession™ Nandina/ Nectar Blue™ Salvia/ ‘Real Glory’ Leucanthemum 
Mountain Snow™ Pieris/ Saucy™ Red Salvia/ ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia
To complement pink, purple or white azaleas, consider:
Little Bonnie™ Dwarf Spiraea/ ‘Love and Wishes’ Salvia/ ‘Cracked Ice’ Heucherella 
Ultra Violet™ Buddleia/ Saucy™ Wine Salvia/ ‘Solar Eclipse’ Heucherella
For any color palette, try:
Chef’s Choice® Rosemary / ‘Meerlo’ Lavender/ Baby Gem™ Boxwood An added bonus – not only will these plant combinations deter unwanted critters, they will also attract wildlife you do want, such as hummingbirds and butterflies!
