Keeping your garden safe and beautiful is part of every homeowner’s dream—especially in an area like Hillsborough, where lush estates and natural landscapes blend seamlessly with the environment. While snakes play an important role in nature, most property owners prefer to keep them away from their lawns and gardens.
As experts in luxury landscape design and best estate landscaping in Hillsborough, our team at Petrus Landscape believes in creating outdoor spaces that are not only stunning but also practical and safe. One of the most natural and sustainable ways to deter snakes is through smart plant selection.
Though no plant can completely guarantee a snake-free garden, certain species have scents and properties that snakes find unpleasant. Here are eight plants you can incorporate into your estate landscape design to help repel snakes naturally.
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are one of the most popular plants used to deter pests. Their bright flowers add color and charm, but it’s their strong scent that makes them useful for repelling snakes. The roots of marigolds release a smell that snakes find unpleasant. They also help keep aphids and mosquitoes at bay—making them a great choice for garden beds or borders in Hillsborough estates.
2. Garlic
Garlic is another strong-scented plant known to discourage snakes. The sulfur compounds in garlic produce an odor that disrupts a snake’s sense of smell and taste. Plant garlic along walkways, fences, or near entry points to create a natural barrier. It’s a low-maintenance and practical addition for anyone who values sustainable estate landscaping.
3. Onions
Similar to garlic, onions emit a potent aroma that can keep snakes at a distance. Their strong smell and chemical compounds interfere with how snakes sense prey. They are easy to grow and also serve as a useful kitchen crop, blending beauty and functionality in your garden design.
4. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is well known for repelling mosquitoes, but its citrusy fragrance also helps deter snakes. It grows well in warm climates like Hillsborough’s and provides a refreshing scent throughout your outdoor space. For larger properties, an estate landscape designer can use lemongrass strategically to frame walkways or outdoor seating areas while keeping pests away.
5. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant)
Ironically named, the Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is one of the best options for repelling snakes. Its upright, sword-shaped leaves can startle snakes, and it thrives with minimal maintenance. The sharp-edged foliage gives snakes the impression of a threatening environment, making it an ideal choice for luxury landscape design where visual appeal meets functionality.
6. Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) emits a bitter scent that many pests—including snakes—dislike. It’s drought-tolerant and perfect for Bay Area landscapes, adding silvery foliage and texture to modern gardens. Be mindful not to overplant, as wormwood can dominate nearby plants if not maintained.
7. Pink Agapanthus
Known for its beautiful blooms, Agapanthus also has dense roots and foliage that create physical barriers snakes tend to avoid. In estate landscaping, these plants can line garden edges or borders while adding color and structure to your outdoor design.
8. Basil
Basil’s strong aroma, especially from varieties like Cinnamon Basil or Thai Basil, can help keep snakes away while attracting pollinators like bees. It’s an excellent dual-purpose plant for vegetable gardens or outdoor kitchens—offering fragrance, flavor, and a touch of natural protection.
Designing a Snake-Resistant Garden
A snake-resistant garden doesn’t rely solely on plant selection. Good design and maintenance play an equally important role. Keep grass trimmed, clear away debris, and avoid cluttered plantings where snakes can hide. For larger estates, a luxury landscape designer can integrate repelling plants, open layouts, and smart irrigation systems to reduce unwanted habitats.
At Petrus Landscape, our approach to best estate landscaping in Hillsborough combines elegance with environmental sensitivity. Whether designing drought-tolerant gardens or natural pest-repelling landscapes, our goal is to create outdoor spaces that reflect both beauty and balance.
Final Thoughts
Snakes may be part of the ecosystem, but with the right plants and thoughtful landscape design, you can enjoy peace of mind while maintaining a vibrant, healthy garden. From marigolds and lemongrass to wormwood and basil, each plant contributes to a safer and more welcoming outdoor space.
If you’re looking to design or refresh your Hillsborough garden, our estate landscape design services can help you choose plants that enhance beauty, sustainability, and safety—perfect for the Bay Area’s unique climate.
