I've had geese eat the plants that I've planted, but I didn't cage them.

If you can see the stems but not the leaves, are the ends rotted off or cut? If cut, I'd go with smaller mesh to exclude whatever is doing it.

www.hoosierpondpros.com

[Linked Image from lh6.ggpht.com]
http://www.pondboss.com/subscribe.asp?c=4
3/4 to 1 1/4 ac pond LMB, SMB, PS, BG, RES, CC, YP, Bardello BG, (RBT & Blue Tilapia - seasonal).