Lin, Squirrels don't like things growing in "Their" trees that's for sure. I've not had trouble with them eating my orchids, but they like hibiscus flowers.
Elaine, my Aunt passed in August, the plant was fried from the sun and lack of water. This year we did have a pretty dry cool winter so it looks much better than last year when we had a warmer wetter winter. I like plants that do well on neglect, I'm good at that.