When Ellen Goldfarb moved to her New Jersey home four decades ago, the front yard was a simple lawn edged with standard shrubs. Over time she transformed the space into a multi‑tiered garden that showcases deer‑resistant flowers and a mix of ornamental perennials.
From Lawn to Terraced Garden
She began by removing much of the original plantings and installing a curving, one‑foot‑tall stone wall that divided the 56‑by‑35‑foot area into three terraces. The wall not only helped manage the slope but also created distinct stages for planting. Then she introduced a variety of Japanese maples, boxwoods, and hydrangeas, arranging them so the stonework remains visible amid the foliage.
Evergreen shrubs such as tidy ‘Wintergreen’ Korean boxwoods, Japanese plum yew, and deodar cedar were placed first to provide structure. “I like organized chaos,” Goldfarb says, noting that the evergreens act as a backbone for the more showy selections that follow.
Supporting plants include black‑eyed Susans, ornamental grasses, and ostrich ferns, which add texture without overwhelming the design. Chartreuse‑leafed hakonechloa highlights surrounding colors, a technique she describes as “chartreuse just makes everything else look better.”
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Choosing Deer‑Resistant Plantings
Deer have become a major challenge for the designer and her clients. After years of trial and error, she found that evergreen species like boxwoods, many junipers, and cherry laurel tend to be avoided by the animals. Bigleaf hydrangeas and certain rose varieties, such as those in the Drift series, have also proven relatively safe.
Among the flowers she recommends are heleniums, black‑eyed Susans, and a selection of perennials that are less appealing to wildlife. Her curated list includes plants that thrive in a range of soil conditions and hardiness zones, offering gardeners flexibility.
The practical impact of these choices is clear for homeowners who want color without constant deer damage. By prioritizing evergreen structure and selecting perennials that are less palatable, gardeners can maintain visual interest throughout the season while minimizing the need for constant replanting.
Maintaining the Garden’s Balance
Beyond plant selection, she emphasizes regular pruning to keep the garden tidy. She trims standards and shapes shrubs to allow the stone wall to peek through, preserving the intended visual rhythm.
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Result: a front yard that feels both cultivated and natural, with each terrace offering a distinct yet connected experience.
Goldfarb’s own garden serves as a living portfolio for her design firm, What’s Blooming?, which she runs with her daughter, Tracy Buttrick. Clients often request similar layouts, seeking the same balance of structure and floral display that has defined her own property for decades.
For gardeners interested in replicating this approach, the Deer‑Resistant Plant Palette is available for download, providing a ready‑made list of species and their cultural requirements. The guide includes details on soil preferences, mature size, and hardiness, simplifying the planning process for both novice and seasoned growers.
