Narcissus October 2016

[annew]

You're both right! I had a net on the bed, but now all is finished I have taken it off and installed a sonic CatWatch device. We'll see how effective it is.
The bottom of the bed is fresh killed turf, then some old rotted turf. On top of that is some dirty gravel from the paths then clean spent bulb compost. The top 10cm is pure sand, topped with gravel. A right mixture, and not scientific.

[YT]

You're both right! I had a net on the bed, but now all is finished I have taken it off and installed a sonic CatWatch device. We'll see how effective it is.
The bottom of the bed is fresh killed turf, then some old rotted turf. On top of that is some dirty gravel from the paths then clean spent bulb compost. The top 10cm is pure sand, topped with gravel. A right mixture, and not scientific.

A week passed since you installed a sonic CatWatch device, Anne. How is it? Some people say it works well but others say it's just a rubbish!

[annew]

I need to have one device at each end of the bed and both need to be working at full loudness to keep the bed clear. As soon as one lot of batteries fail the cats are digging. The batteries last 2-3 days then need recharging. It is a lot of effort. I have also bought some 'Silent Roar' http://silentroaronline.com - essence of lion - and have also applied that. Not sufficient on its own, clearly. I would like to use a rifle. 

[Michael J Campbell]

Anne, I think that the Rifle is a good idea, David was thinking of something similar.    I have a big Dog that keeps vermin out of the garden including those that dig up flower beds.

[YT]

I would like to use a rifle. 

What about "cat avoiding mesh" instead, Anne? Set the spiny plastic mesh just under the sand surface. Probably some similar products are available in the UK.

David was thinking of something similar.

[annew]

I had thought of something similar, or netting beneath the gravel but it will be a problem if I want to replant, or dig about (=furtle in Yorkshire  )for labels etc. My latest idea is to use large sharp stones 5-8cm across and make a 'talus slope' appearance. I suspect the cats would not use this sort of surface, and the bulbs will not mind. Back to the net for now 

[Matt T]

I had thought of something similar, or netting beneath the gravel but it will be a problem if I want to replant, or dig about (=furtle in Yorkshire  )for labels etc. My latest idea is to use large sharp stones 5-8cm across and make a 'talus slope' appearance. I suspect the cats would not use this sort of surface, and the bulbs will not mind. Back to the net for now 

We could lend you the terriers 

[annew]

Are they Yorkshire?