Flower/ shrub ideas please!

[Underworld345]

I have just moved house and the front garden lacks colour - there is just one large grassed area. I want to dig out a strip at the end and plant some nice shrubs and flowers.

I have no idea where to start really...the area is shaded in the morning but gets plenty of sun in the afternoon.

Any one got any ideas to add some colour/attractiveness? Ideally would like to plant 4-5 different things to cover an area of around 2m x 6m

What type of soil do you have. Hydrangeas are an easy option, they flower for a long time, are quite happy on most soils and need little attention. But they are not evergreen.
Another option might be hebes, a wide variety of shades and evergreen.
Philadelphus have lovely scented white flowers in early summer, Weigela have pink to dark pink flowers early summer and Ceanothus can be evergreen with blue flowers. All quite easy to look after.

Thanks bumblebee

Philadelphus are gorgeous with a lovely scent. What about some lavenders? Salvias are also gorgoeus and bees love the tiny flowers. You can get them in some stunning colours.

These salvias and not the actial sage plant which is also salvia www.highcountrygardens.com/perennial-plants/salvia/salvia-flowerkisser-dark-shadows-sage

www.gardeningexpress.co.uk/salvia-jamensis-hot-lips?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpIzV3eS34wIV1ZrVCh2qRwY5EAQYASABEgJgj_D_BwE

Also, if you put in a camellia then you will get flowers in the winter when nothing else flowers. And they like shade in the mornings.

You can google to find ready designed borders which provide year round interest and get the structure right. I think Bulb actually sell a set of plants with a map of where to plant them for different sized orders. Quite good for inspiration even if you don’t want to go with their ideas.

I love roses, have a look at David austin’s Website, he breeds the best roses.

I've done our front with buxus balls-great to have year round structure. I'd go for something evergreen-buxus is in danger from box caterpillar so could be risky. Ok so far for me in NI (touch wood!)