What to do about deer that would devour your plants. Originally published March 2, 2008 at 12:00 am Updated February 28, 2008 at 9:29 am. Sweeps of lavender, Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ and the brown ornamental grass Carex buchananii have proven both drought tolerant and resistant to predation in this deer-ridden Whidbey Island garden.