Any of the store-bought repellents like ‘Critter Ridder’ work really well. You do have to be vigilant about re-spraying after it rains, or you’ve watered. Also, don’t get any on yourself or you’ll be repelling everyone around you, too! Don’t spray on a windy day!
You can also make your own mix. It’s just water, dish soap, garlic, hot peppers & raw egg. Recipes vary:
https://www.backyardfocus.com/homemade-rabbit-repellent/
Also, Hollyhocks are biennial, so they only bloom every OTHER year. People generally plant them two years running so by that third year you’ll have reliable blooms from then on. They can also readily self-seed, so be aware of that, too.
Thanks so much, Diana! These look good. I misread one part to “I like to put the garlic and pepper mix around my neck...”
He’d written around his deck. I need coffee!