Elizabeth - the solution is to live with the critters and try to plant what they don't want! We have tried every deterrent known, and so have my friends. My friend put up an 8' fence, went away for a few days, and came home to find a doe inside the enclosure and her 2 fawns patiently waiting for her outside it. The same year, the deer climbed about 20 steps to their upper deck to sample the petunias.
I live in the city, but near a natural area. There are fences all along the property, but the deer find their way over or around to eat the hosta, tulips, and all else that suits them. They even used to pick our apples in the fall, until we removed the trees! Last week a squirrel scampered out of the garden with a jalapeno pepper in his mouth - imagine his surprise when he bit into it!
Speaking of wildlife, my chores this week include trying to trap the mouse (or mice) inside my car. We don't know how, but one got in this winter - thought he was gone, but found a nibbled protein bar in the back seat.
Watching the much needed rain fall outside my window!
Sue