Two comments. I got a library book called Lasagna Gardening. It's about laying newspaper down initially and then layers of dirt, manure, compost, shredded leaves then newspaper, light layer of dirt mix to hold down newspaper. I rip holes in top paper and plant. The few weeds you get are easy to pull out and you keep piling lasagna style. I find it works great and I spend practically no time weeding.
Second, I've been working on a "designer" chicken, cochin crosses, that aren't likely to hop or fly over a very minimal garden fence. IMO, hamburgs and bantys are the most likely to destroy your garden. I love the look of a lot of garden destroyers though, so I've been creating visually appealing birds that stay grounded.
