Any suggestions please for this area?

do you want shrubs or herbaceous perennials?
why not go for annuals this year whilst you decide.
Zinnias would do well in that spot as would gaillardia, sunnflowers etc..

yep, how about Viburnum opulus [the guelder rose] We are trying to buy some but the gc only have the sterile ones and we are after the natives that has the gorgeous red berries too.

It’s a lovely, Mediterranean styled area, Julia. Have to admit I love lavender and I’d end up planting other one!!!
Everyone’s suggestions sound inspiring..

What about a Bay whip and grow it as a single stem pompom or ever grow the whip around a pole to create a spiral stem with the pompom at the top.

The Viburnum can be pruned to maintain the size you want it to be.

Nandina domestica is a pretty evergreen with red, bronze and green leaves all year, and would go well with your lovely grasses!