Anyone know goose-proof plants that could be planted around edges of a small lake in a public park?

Question

Children 8-11 will be involved in the planting sessions.

Answer 1

Geese tend to avoid glossy leaved shrubs such as Privet, Laurel and Pittosporum. They do not like Yew or Holly either, but these are probably not suitable for children to be planting. Grasses like Miscanthus might do well once they are established, but I think you might need to cover them with wire mesh to protect them to start with. Bullrushes would be left alone, too... Hope this helps, Nick.

Answer 2

Any planting done around a lake, especially one in a public park, should follow guidlines for native species of the area that would normally be found at lake edges. Contact your local wild life or parks representative for their guidance and permission.

Answer 3

I've got geese and they pretty much like everything, very fond of runner beans. The only vegetables they don't like are courgette plants, so on that basis I would suggest anything spiny or that has thorns, though that may not fit in with your 8-11 year olds.

Answer 4

Geese will not step over monofillament fishing line stretched around the perimeter of your garden. At a height of 2-3 inches, it'll trip them up, and you can plant anything you want in the garden.

Answer 5

Yellow Flag Iris (Iris pseudocorus) all types of Reed. Try Bullrush (Tyhpha longifolia, not sure if that's not succulent enough to eat but is very vigorous). Gunnera manicata, Soft Rush (Juncus efusus) otherwise they eat pretty much anything else. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Rushes belonging to the Juncus family are not appealling to geese. They don't grow tall, are easy to plant and transplant and thrive in wet conditions. Try to use generic stock.