Front Garden Before

Here is an almost 'before' picture. 
I did not think to take a photo earlier.

Here is the next one where we have dug further along the path. 

Next is to dig to the end of the path, then go through all the soil for stones and yet more weeds and roots, then lay a layer of newspaper, which, hopefully will slow down the weeds and roots left behind. 

Then plant lavender, and maybe some carrots. all this could be problematic as there are no fences or garden walls and deer come and graze on whatever takes their fancy. Any ideas for deterring the deer?