A squirrel is eating the flowers we are growing on our backyard deck. How do I stop him?

Would a wooden or plastic owl scare the squirrel away?A squirrel is eating the flowers we are growing on our backyard deck. How do I stop him?
YES, the Owl would help but once he figures out its fake it is back to the smorgasbord try putting down Cinnamon and or Rosemary in, on, and around the planting area.A squirrel is eating the flowers we are growing on our backyard deck. How do I stop him?
I have heard that when squirrels eat bird food from feeders that if you add cajun spices to the food, they will leave it alone and the birds don't mind it. Maybe if you tried something like that, put some spice on the flowers, he will leave them alone. I think the plastic owls ill work too though.
Try anything before thinking of killing the poor thing. It's just hungry.
CUT THE FLOWERS DOWN
instant lead poisoning
Get a pellet gun, there are too many anyway!
get a live trap, trap him and drop him off at the park
sprinkle cayenne pepper on them