Charles Quinn writes:
Sam wrote in news:1178647528.718999.238570
:

We also have 2 cats. I plan to lay chicken wire on top of the soil.
Is this a good method? Has anyone tried a motion detector water
sprayer? My husband refuses to put chicken wire around the garden (as
a fence), for aesthetic reasons.

http://www.gardeners.com/Animal-Repe...ult/05-497.prd

Eat some oranges, place the peels in a blender with some water. Puree
them, then spread around the edge of the garden. Repeat application
often.

Even if the smell of citrus is a deterrent to cats, I suspect that
pureed peel would need frequent re-application. An alternative would be
living plants of the herb rue (unless you are in an area of unfavourable
climate for herbs). It grows readily from a slip. Cats are reputed to
find its odour detestable. Rue is not a culinary herb, unfortunately.

Two plantings might be the answer: plant some catnip in an area where
it's okay for the cats to dig, and plant lots of rue among the plants
in areas where you want them to avoid.

A waterpistol filled with a citronella spray should give the cats a
lasting reminder of where they are not wanted, when you catch them on
the garden.
--
John Savage (my news address is not valid for email)