What to put in these large planters?

[PurpleNailVarnish]

Please bear with me, I'm keen but useless at gardening.

The previous owners of our house left 2 large, stone, square planters. One each on either side of the bay window at the front of the house.
They are cubes about a metre square.

I'd like to plant them up with small evergreen trees or hedges. I don't want bay trees or similar because they will need to be protected in winter.
Nothing that grows taller than 5 foot.
Whatever I choose will need to be low maintenance and hardy enough to withstand life in my care.

Can anyone suggest something that would fit the bill?

Thank you.

How about a pieris ? Lots of types and sizes .Evergreen and colourful .

And easy to grow ,tho you need ericaceous soil .

Thank you, I like the Pieris.
Is there a species in particular you would recommend?
I'd have to get special compost because ours is a alkaline area but I can empty them out and do that.

Oh Purple I'm v much a novice so don't rely on me - I chose pieris 'White Rim', I think .I wanted something fairly compact and slow growing .

I have 2 ,one slightly in shade is doing better ( is bigger ) than the one in more sun .
Both are in containers .I started them off in special compost but haven't really done much since . I must feed them !

i love this web site!!
just look and get ideas. they have a section on shrubs but i love the flower pot "recipes"
the site is north American but i'm sure it can inspire you ;)
www.provenwinners.com/container-gardening/container-recipes/search

Brilliant, thank you both of you

And lots of bulbs around the tree so they will pop up in spring and summer.