Question
Please recommend a plant for a border which is rabbit and deer resistant approx ten inches tall.Partial to full shade in zone 4.Colored foilage or flowering is flexible.

Answer
Michael,
I can relate!

There are a few measures we can take to reduce damage to our landscapes.

Plants

First, here's a quick list of what not to plant: azaleas and rhododendrons, fruit trees, euonymus, roses, hostas and lilies are all delicacies to the deer palate.

Some plants are less appealing to deer. These plants tend to have an odor, taste or texture that deer are not fond of. Sound like a lovely garden? You might be pleasantly surprised by some of the plants on the list. You don't have to resort to a stark, ugly landscape. Try some of these:

Annuals  
Ageratum  
Alyssum  
Begonia  
Dusty Miller  
Forget-me-not  
Foxglove  
Gaillardia  
Marigold  
Morning Glory  
Nasturtium  
Ornamental pepper  
Poppy  
Salvia  
Scented Geranium  
Snapdragon  
Stock  
Vinca  
Zinnia  

Herbs  
Basil  
Catmint  
Lavender  
Mint  
Oregano  
Parsley  
Rosemary  

Vines and Ground Covers  
Ajuga (I)
Boston Ivy (I)
Pachysandra  
Periwinkle  
Sweet Woodruff  
Virginia creeper (I)
Wisteria (I)

Shrubs

Barberry

Boxwood

Cotoneaster

Deutzia

Forsythia
Gardenia
Hawthorne

Holly

Kerria

Mahonia

Mock Orange

Nandina
Oleander
Pieris Japonica

Quince

Spirea

Perennials  
Alyssum  
Artemesia  
Astilbe  
Aster  
Baby's Breath  
Balloon Flower  
Bellflower  
Bergenia  
Buttercup  
Candytuft  
Chrysanthemum  
Coreopsis  
Columbine  
Daffodils  
Dianthus  
Fern  
Lamb's Ear  
Heather  
Heuchera  
Purple Coneflower  
Hellebore (Christmas or Lenten Rose)  
Lily-of-the-Valley  
Lupine  
Monarda  
Poppy  
Primrose  
Salvia  
Shasta Daisy  
Snow-in-Summer  
Sundrops  
Statice  
Viola  
Yarrow  
Yucca  

Trees

Beech

Birch

Crape Myrtle
Ginkgo

Hawthorne

Maple

Palms

Spruce

NOTE: While these plants have shown to be less desirable as deer food, they are not guaranteed to be deer-proof. If deer get hungry enough, they're liable to try anything at least once. Also remember that some of these plants can become invasive (noted by I) if not kept in check.

SAFETY NOTE:
Deer are not as meek as they may seem. In rutting season especially, the males can be quite aggressive, so think twice before you try to chase them out of the yard or sic your dog on them. As any cornered animal will do, they will defend themselves. Antlers and hooves are a combination you really don't want to deal with.