Holly Makes Good Barrier to Intruders

Q: My house is on a corner lot in a rustic area of Palos Verdes. Four-legged and sometimes two-legged visitors cut across one area. I’m against fences. What can I plant to discourage intruders?

A: Any of the hollies would make excellent barrier plants as would the many varieties of natal plum (Carissa). Barberry (Berberis) is also a good traffic regulator, but it tends to grow quickly and require substantial cutting back.