Yes stay away from the Hostas. I have herds of deer and they love Hostas but I constantly battle them to continue to grow them. Just not a good idea since you said he wants low maintenance with deer hostas would not be low maintenance.
I see someone said to expand the Ferns. There are so many pretty ones that have color Brilliant with its orange color and the Japanese are very pretty.
Did you say you cannot grow ligularia because of the Slugs? I have lots of slugs and they never touch Marie Britt. That is a statement plant all season. From the description you are right you do need a statement. How about a hardscape item find some sort of a statue, bird bath.
http://www.bing.com/images/sea...
