yes, i gave up and caged my Hollyhocks – and whether Mr GH didnt appear last night or the cage worked – there was no more damage to the poor plants this morning. 

i will have to see how long it holds.

in other news, i may have to put a fence up in that back corner – that really will be the only way to stop the GH(s) from continuing to treat my new garden and poor plants as their personal buffet.  have to think on this as its more time and money.  sigh.