I design gardens in Middleburg, Virginia, in the heart of hunt country, where deer browse almost anything. Over the years, I have learned which plants they leave alone and how to put them together so a border still looks generous. This guide is the border I plant for my clients, drawn out so you can plant it yourself. 

The palette is ivory, lavender, and violet against grey and green foliage, held together by seven clipped boxwood globes. It works two ways: formal, with a low hedge and a gravel path, or relaxed, with catmint spilling onto the lawn. Something is in flower from the first hellebores in February to the last asters in October, and the boxwoods hold their shape all winter. 

Everything is measured. You will know exactly what to buy, how many, and where each plant goes, down to the foot. 

My gardens have been featured in Veranda, and this border uses the same plants and principles I bring to my clients. 

What is included

1. A 77-page PDF guide, letter size, ready to read on screen or print at home 

2. A measured planting plan for a 30-by-12-foot border, with all 77 permanent plants placed 

3. A bulb plan for 114 spring bulbs 

4. Seasonal paintings and planting keys for spring, early summer, high summer, autumn, and winter 

5. A complete shopping list and a printable nursery checklist 

6. How to fit the border to a 15-foot, 45-foot, or 8-foot deep bed 

7. A bloom calendar, a side view of the planting, and a first-year timeline 

8. Step-by-step planting and care instructions 

9. A profile for every plant, with size, light, soil, spacing, and deer notes 

10. Optional flowers to grow from seed 

11. A seasonal directory of more deer-resistant plants for the rest of your garden 

12. A printable planting plan and planting day labels for every pot 

Is it right for my garden?

The full recipe is designed for USDA zones 6 and 7, and the guide includes swaps for zones 5 and 8. The border suits a site with full sun across most of the bed and some afternoon shade at the back. No plant is completely deer-proof, but these are the plants I trust in gardens with heavy deer pressure. 

Good to know

This is a digital download. You will receive the PDF by email right after purchase. No plants are shipped.

The seasonal paintings and plant illustrations were created with AI from my planting plan and plant choices. The garden design, plant selection, and writing are my own.

The guide is for your personal use. Please do not share or resell it. 

Looking for the bulbs? The Thalia daffodils, Globemaster alliums, and fritillaries in this border are available in my shop.