What to put in flower bed

[Carrie76]

We’ve finally cleared a waste ground beside our patio and have put soil down. What flowers should I plant here? I’d prefer ones that I don’t have to remove and then replant each year.

I’m a total gardening novice!

Here’s a pic of the space

Which direction does it face? That's important to know.

Sticking to multiples of the same 3 or 5 plants is often a good tip when your starting out. The temptation can be to have one of this and one of that with no cohesive plan - it's something that can work beautifully but it's easy to end up in a bit of mess and get demotivated.

It will probably be quite a dry area with the hedge and the little tree there so you'll need to take that into account too

I thought it was a holly hedge but it's ivy on a wall, isn't it? Ivy doesn't take up anything like as much water as a hedge of that height would

Could we see a photo of the shrub/climber at the back left? I can't see what it is.

ooh that is a good tip Inter. When I eventually get mine done, I will bear that in mind. What about azaleas OP? And some of those big daisy things that come back every year.

I know some people really dislike them, but I'd plant Hydrangea

There are some stunning hydrangeas about these days, it's true. It's hard to recommend much without more information but I'm a sucker for scented plants so I'd always want to get a good rose (or several) in there somewhere. There's a suitable rose to be found for pretty much any garden. Austin [[https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/?_ga=2.246045700.1893177938.1556998168-2053370123.1491566305]] is the place to get roses, fab quality and even come with a guarantee. Not that I've ever heard of anyone needing to make use of it.

Will this be the only planting OP, or are there existing plants elsewhere? It'd be grand to have photos if there are. Also, maybe a wee diagram of the garden showing how it sits in relation to the house and seating area(s)?

Sorry, link disaster www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/?_ga=2.246045700.1893177938.1556998168-2053370123.1491566305

Looks like it could be in the shade for some of the day, consider some of the many Cranesbill geraniums. Many varieties, white through to deep purple and flowering at different times of the year.

Don’t forget to put on some stepping stones so you can easily weed, water and replant. You will also need access to the ivy wall to trim it in early winter and it would be better to not compact the soil. Hence stepping stones.
How exciting to plant a bed. Waiting to know direction, soil type, and whether you had roses there before. Also, are there any wildlife species that visit your garden or area?

Also, here is some inspiration www.bumblebeeconservation.org/gardeningadvice/

You mention a preference for not having to redo the planting annually - perennials are your friend here. Depending on soil, water and light:
1- Choose a shrub, such as cammelia, blueberry, witch hazel, winter sweet, japanese quince
2 - then mainly perennials such as peonies, japanese anemones, balloon flower, pasque flower, lily of the valley, cowslip, st johns wort, verbena,
3- dont forget bulbs for spring
4- fill in gaps with self seeding plants or annuals or groundcover such as Aquilegia or poppies or a wildflower mix, or alpine strawberries

Thank you all so much for the replies. DH is amazed at how helpful strangers are! I’ve attached a few more pictures. The garden is north facing, gets sun from mid afternoon.