I have 3 lovely big pots outside my front door with 3 rather dead mini fir trees in them

[KatyMac]

What can I replace them with?

It's fairly sheltered but gets the morning sun (up until about 11)

It's also fairly dry

I'd like something fairly evergreen & the pots are about 18 inches square

[astrantiaroma]

Clipped box (Buxus sempervirens) always look good in the formal setting of a front door - either traditional balls or other topiary shapes would work. They are expensive but should last if planted in good quality compost and watered during dry spells for the first year and given some slow release fertiliser each spring.

[KatyMac]

Thanks - we have been chuntering here and are leaning towards lavender & rosemary......maybe

But I like the sound of box

[TheFarSide]

Bay trees - expensive if you go for the standards, but evergreen and easy to maintain and will tolerate some dryness. Plus you can use the leaves in your dinner.

[TheFarSide]

Rosemary is not a bad idea - it can also be grown as a standard and is as easy as bay to look after.

Lavender can get a bit straggly and out of shape.

[MadreInglese]

Do you want height or not?

I am a serial plant killer but have managed to keep alive (through sheer fluke not skill) bay trees and coloured heathers

[KatyMac]

Bay trees are possible - I didn't know rosemary could be standards

I'll have a think