[lenaitch]

You could Google 'deer resistant shrubs' to see what suits you and what will grow in your area. The list is not extensive. One caution is that some sites include Butterfly Bush which is considered invasive in many areas.

Another thought could be to leave it as a bit as sitting area as in your photos. You could dig it down some more and fill it with pea stone or even bark chips or coloured mulch which would be cheaper than pavers.