I've tried to plant my favorite Impatiens here on the island, but the deer would gobble them up. Marigolds would get pulled out by the deer and left whole, as if to say, no thank you - these flowers don't taste good!
I have considered making a dome of sorts out of chicken wire, so that the impatiens can grow and fill in prettily. The deer should be limited to the damage they can do. I have yet to employ this method.
Good luck Lakesrider!