There is one tree peony in my garden. Kokuryu-nishiki, dark red with white edges. A birthday gift from Lee Sherman in Albuquerque. It's only been in the garden one season, but the new foliage is a miracle. I think the plant will do well here. I want to add one or two more, but I'm stuck with a small garden and I'm suffering from choice anxiety. A couple years ago I was in NYC, went to the botanical gardens in Brooklyn. The Tree Peonies were in full bloom. WOW!

Fortunately, I don't have a deer problem (just a pooping cat). I read somewhere that deer won't jump a fence if the area from the fence to about 8' isn't clear for landing... Meaning, a wire fence at about six feet tall planted with large rose shrubs and such on the far side could deter leaping Bambis. Maybe do the reverse?. A thick thorny hedge, then a fence? Do you know what Poncirus trifoliata is? You can grow them from seed... very thorny bitter orange trees. The blooms have a lovely scent, the fruit, though not edible, is also fragrant. I had them growing as a barrier in Dallas, TX. Hardy to 0ºF. NOTHING gets through and because of that it makes great safe haven for birds.

I had Delphiniums my first year here in SF. The grew like mad and re-bloomed well when I removed the faded main stalk. They were removed because I have a very windy site. If the stems weren't broken outright, then the plants just fell over. If I can remember to stake diligently, I might try to stick a couple in this season.

Let me know how the veg garden goes. I'd kill for a fresh tomato, bit it's always chilly here. I'm planting Cardoons and Artichokes. They'll look good as a kind of hedge, flowers will be a bonus.
Jeff