In article ,
WPB wrote:

But you mention plants less desirable to deer. That might have to be the
route I go. Do you know of any bushes/shrubs that the deer would leave
alone?

Not a bush that deer will leave alone but once established, kerria
co-exists nicely with deer. Their winter munching serves as a natural
pruning that will result in a fuller bush. A nice compromise I think as
both parties win - the deer get some winter munchies and your bush
flourishes as a result. However, when the plants are young, the deer
munching can kill them. I just wrapped some wire fencing supported by
angle irons around their perimeter for the first 2 years to keep them
safe.

I lived on a wooded acre (including a ravine such as you mention having
at your place) for 20 years. The kerria were recommended to me by a
friend who also had heavy deer traffic on their property. Gave them a
try and I did enjoy them. They prefer full sunlight but mine were placed
in areas of partial light and did well (zone 5).

When hungry enough, deer will eat anything and everything...

--
Sharon F