These bulbs have evolved to avoid being eaten. You can take advantage of that

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: There's little worse in a gardener's mind than watching their careful planning and hard work go up in a cloud of teeth, thanks to every four-legged freeloader within chewing distance. So if you're planting bulbs this fall, select the rights to avoid planting dinner.

Although no plant is 100% animal-proof, some spring-blooming bulbs have toxic or unpalatable self-defenses that deer, rabbits and rodents tend to avoid. Pet owners and parents, however, should exercise caution when deciding to grow these within reach of children or furry family members. Crown imperials aren't referred to as "stink lilies" for nothing.

One whiff of the malodorous, tufted, downward-facing, bell-shaped flowers will transport you to a skunk sanctuary—or a sweaty locker room. No self-respecting living thing would deliberately sniff, let alone eat, any part of the plant, which also contains highly toxic steroidal alkaloids. But don't let that dissuade you from planting them.

The striking plants not only keep rodents away, but they attract pollinators and are exceptionally eye-catching in the spring garden. Just don't plant them near the front walk. Alliums are related to onions, and their bulbs' scent makes no secret of it, so they're typically left undisturbed.

Their flowers have a similar, although milder, fragrance. If rabbits are particularly hungry, they might attempt a nibble, but the bitter sulfur compounds in the bulbs, leaves and stems will send them running. The plants are also toxic.

Similarly, all types of daffodils—from demure jonquils to giant trumpet types—contain bitter, toxic properties that most critters know to avoid. Although nicely scented to us humans, the strong, sweet perfume emanating from Dutch hyacinth flowers is off-putting to many animals, as is the fruity scent of the unrelated grape hyacinth, which deer and rabbits perceive as musky. Neither is as offensive as pungent alliums, but both hyacinths also contain toxic compounds that cause mouth irritation and stomach upset if bitten or ingested.