Below is a step by step photo gallery of a Mill Valley hillside garden.  We added lots of organic soil amendment to the heavy clay soil, brought in lots of rocks of differing sizes, shapes and colors and only use proven deer proof plants that are drought tolerant.  When planting for the first time, be sure to think about bulbs and where they might best be included.  This garden is now a 3 year garden that just gets better with time.  What was once a weed strewn hillside with no visual appeal is now a lovely spot for all to enjoy as they walk or drive by, in fact many who walk or drive by are so pleased with the contribution to the neighborhood.