What shall I plant?

[Daisy]

We're in the process of reorganising two borders at in the back garden. One border is mostly new but the other one has more mature plants with just a couple of fairly large gaps - big enough for a large rose bush, but I don't want roses.

So I'd love some ideas, please. The border faces north-east but gets a fair bit of sun, especially in the summer. The soil's heavy clay but we're digging in lots of soil improvers to make it a bit lighter. I'd like something that flowers in the middle of summer, and if possible scented and evergreen.

All ideas are most welcome. I'll post a photo tomorrow.

[Gemini]

Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me will come along

[Oma]

I’m not good at what goes best in different boarders , when we had our big garden and a green house I mostly grew boarder plants and tomatoes, peppers , cucumber etc
Easy stuff .
What about Crocosmia would that grow there ? I would love the smaller variety in my little boarder , not enough room for the big variety but I love the vibrant colour .

[Plantaholic]

I have the common Crocosmia Daisy but it does spread. I love Pieris, I grow them in tubs or borders. Another one I love is called The Bride. Hydrangeas grow well on our soil and
I have a very nice Cotinus, quite slow growing. How about a Witch Hazel, that is in flower atm. Of course our soil is probably so different from yours. Azaleas should do well for you.

[Nanto2girls]

We have some Crocosmia, just the common variety.
Azaleas that Plant mentioned would be good.

[Daisy]

Thank you for the lovely suggestions, everyone. I like the idea of crocosmia - they'd go nicely in that border, further along than where the gap is. We've got a couple of Pieris in tubs and they are great. Azalias don't survive, I'm afraid - I think it's too wet in the winter. I'm just concerned there will be nothing doing its "thing" in the summer.