When we moved to California's north coast, we tried all the things suggested to no avail (soap, hair, various deer repellants). Some of the sprays seemed to highlight what was good as only those things we sprayed were eaten. We finally fenced our property. Some one up the street however came up with an idea of using bamboo poles (soaked in boric acid to last longer). He put the poles around his property and then strung fishing line from pole to pole, using several lines at different heights. The deer don't see it, but run into it and stop. They have found this to be successful unless a hole develops or the gate is left open. Someone suggested Liquid Fence when we were planting a public access trail that couldn't be fenced. I was dubious, but it really seemed to help so we now try to spray a patch of Lilium maritimum that grows near a park that most years would get eaten. That has helped a lot if we get to it in time. Usually the deer get a few of them, but the populations seems to be expanding and this year there was even seed. But you do have to spray again if it rains which is a pain. It smells really dreadful, but surprisingly our dog goes for the can so we have to remember to put it up high so she can't find it. Otherwise she ruins the can. Mary Sue