Q: What are some of the best thorny plants to grow under windows as a crime deterrent? The house gets full to part sun on all sides.

A: Chinese holly, barberry, shrub rose (Knockout, Nearly Wild or rugosa), pyracantha, mahonia, or yucca are guaranteed to give a burglar pause. But before using them, consider the pruning job you’ll need to do each year. None of these are small shrubs. Their size can be controlled with regular pruning but plan on wearing protective gear when you do it.