I have used "deer off" to keep bunnies out of a few things. It only keeps them out til the next rain, tho. I have also used chili powder, but I fear that is quite cruel. Good luck!

Another item that sometimes works on small four footed pests is predator urine. If you can find fox, bobcat, coyote, or wolf urine at a hardware store, garden center, or something of the sort (Agway, if it's in your area, for example), buy a bottle. When you get it home squirt it in the vicinity of the imaptiens, doing so in a manner that mimics the behavior of a male dog or cat marking territory (when it "lifts its leg" and all that). If you do indeed have a rabbit or woodchuck problem my guess is you will stop having the problem, as long as regularly reapply. That will tell the pest that something which considers it to be food has taken up residence.

If the pest is a small one it will probably look elsewhere for food.

Depending on the layout of your garden, you might want to try temporary fencing. I have a type of edging fence that comes in a roll, green wire, not too unattractive, that has small enough openings that bunnies would not be able to squeeze through. I use it to keep my dog from establishing pathways through new beds. You might find something like that at a big hardware store. It was only a few bucks for about a 20' roll.

I could be erected in under an hour and could be removed just before your guests come. You could also use the repellent around the edges, in case these are baby bunnies - they can fit through very small openings.

I don't suppose you already have some kind of fence around the yard, and can just staple wire to the bottom to keep the bunnies away? If so, you would want to use turkey wire.

Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate the ideas.

Ginny - don't be so quick to assume bunnies. If you have deer they also like impatiens. The jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) that I allow to grow around the edges of my garden, partially as a sacrificial lamb, is some of their favorite stuff. Bobbex, who make a terrific deer repellant, also make a small animal repellant, but I have never used it. I have bunnies in my garden for the first time this year. So far I've just seen the baby(ies) and only light damage, but I am gearing up to trap them. Good Luck!

Hi ginny...

Sorry to hear you are having critter problems. We had some ourselves this year. Bunnies too. We tried coyote urine. Save your money. Within three hours of placing it, the bunny was 3 feet away munching on clover.

You can catch them in a cage. I know Taylor Rentals, rents them for about $24. a week. Or you can buy one for about $50. I wish you success! :-)