Hi again Deb,

This is Debi Green from the UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline. I apologize that you have not received an answer from me that same day like I promised. I had written it all out and apparently did not hit send. Unfortunately the system does not automatically save drafts. I thank you for your patience!

Alright, so I have more than 2 or 3 each to give you because if you are unable to purchase some you can have backups to choose from. All of these will do well in dry, well-draining soil and can tolerate having little fertilizer, However, mixing in even just an inch or two of compost helps almost any plant in my experience. And though these will do well in drought, any plant will need some help as it is establishing its root system in the first year. That is where the terracotta watering spikes and DIY ollas we spoke about will be very helpful to you. 

Furthermore, these are all critter-resistant. No plant is guaranteed not to be eaten if the deer and rabbit are hungry enough, but these varieties are not their favorites and *tend to be left alone moreso than other plants. In addition to the Lavender we spoke of, including some other strong-scented herbs like Thyme, Oregano, Rosemary and Basil will also help ward them off, will do well in poor soil, and most will also provide some colorful blooms. Come Fall, you may also want to plant some Daffodil bulbs throughout. There are varieties that bloom early, mid, or late so you can get an entire Spring of color. Grape hyacinths are another bulb that would add beautiful contrast to Daffodils as well as fitting in with your other requirements. 

I am putting them in order of height, lowest to tallest, to aid in finding the layered look you would like to achieve.

Perennials:

1) Rock Cress-Spring-blooming. Comes in many colors such as pinks, purples, reddish-purple, blues, and white. Shearing it once the initial bloom fades may bring about a second flush of color.

2) Creeping Thyme-Summer blooming. Pinks and whites.

3) Sedums-Sunsparkler 'firecracker' is a gorgeous variety with burgundy foliage all season and pink blooms in Summer. 'Atlantis' has cream and deep green variegated foliage that grow in a rosette form and has yellow blooms in summer. 

4) Blanket Flower-Summer to Fall blooming. Excellent drought and critter tolerance. Comes in reds, oranges, yellows.

5) Lavender-Check with your neighbor what variety they have since you know it will do well in your area.

5) Scabiosa-Can bloom from Spring to Fall. Best prolonged blooming takes place when spent blooms are deadheaded. Comes in pinks, blues, purples, and burgundy.

7) Cranesbill (Hardy Geraniums)-Blooms late Spring and can continue to Fall with deadheading spent blooms, or shearing. Comes in many colors such as white, pinks, blues, purples, some with black centers. Very critter resistant and requiring very little care.

8) Reblooming Daylilies-Stella D'oro variety will bloom the most steadily from Summer into Fall. Colors of this variety come in pale or bright yellow and some purple shades. Other reblooming lilies that will give you two or three flushes of color come in endless colors from bright reds to dark reds, light pinks to oranges and yellows and some that are two-toned. Very forgiving of neglect and critter resistant.

9) Woodland Sunflower-Blooms from Summer to Fall. Can reach 3' tall. Bright yellow flowers atop erect stems.

10) Oooh! I almost forgot! One of my all-time favorite plants that meets all your criteria are certain varieties of Coral Bells. Their foliage is colored so they look beautiful from Spring through frost even when not in bloom. They are good for the front to middle of the border, depending on the size of the variety you get. Timeless Night has near black foliage with burgundy-red spires of tiny flowers. It is one of the best performers in my own garden. Other colors that do well in full sun come in red, deep purple, and deep green. The lighter colors would need at least part shade.  

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Grasses:

1) Prairie Dropseed-Rich green soft tufts that grow about 2.5' tall and wide, producing tan spires in Summer that turn coppery-red later in the season and add Fall and Winter interest. 

2) Blue Oat Grass-Steel blue blades, growing in a more sturdy form than Prairie Dropseed, but about the same size. Their spires will remain tan in the later seasons.

3) Little or Big Bluestem-The littles will grow from 2-4' tall and the bigs can reach 5-6'. They range in colors from greens to bluegreens and even deep purples. They will also turn beautiful shades in the fall.

Please don't hesitate to reach out again if you have any further questions. I thoroughly enjoyed researching these plants for you.