On 17 Nov 2006 14:33:41 -0800, perigrine wrote:
I thought about a lattice fence - decided they would jump over that.
Then thought of a chicken wire fence, but thought that would need a
'roof.' Thought of keeping the sprinkler nearby, to either keep the
soil damp or to turn on when one approached the area but then I would
have to watch it 24 hours a day.

Better dug soil elsewhere, plus a little old litter or some ammonia.

Or citrus peels around the new plants.
Or some of the more "stickery" pine cones liberally strewn over the area.