Maybe a few shrubs dotted around,such as Lavenders and Hebes,for the purple shades,,and Euonymous 'Emerald and Gold' variety as a contrast? They are all evergreen, and would appreciate your south facing border.and of medium height...maybe interspersed with perennials of your preferred colours.for summer flowering..and you can replant your bulbs and other taller ones,as you wish. Saying that,you don't say how long and wide your border is...I'm sure you will get many more suggestions,good luck..

can't you cut back the shrubs, dig them out, give them a temporay home and then put them back in say a dormant period?

Intend saving climbers and bulbs but thought good opportunity to add other plants which will provide the all year round interest I want. Border is quite short 6m by 80cm.

Thanks for the suggestions Bloomer. I love lavender and the hebe sounds a good contender for all year round interest.

What is the length and width of the border? If the width is less than 18 inches, what's next to it? A path you use all the time? Lawn?

Quite a while ago, Anchorman did a blog about long-flowering perennials which was very useful. Sorry I don't remember the date, but might be worth a search?

Border is about 6m by 80cm and is next to the only path we have in the garden. My aim is to have climbers to cover the fence, tall plants to dot between a couple of tidy shrubs, as space is limited and then some form of ground cover to spill over the edge of the path.

Thanks Sheilabub for suggestion - will try to find blog.

Hi, the blog was on 20th november 2010, just type Anchorman into the search box at the top of the page, Derek.

Thanks Derekm would have taken ages to find that. Appreciate your help.

Aster 'Monch' starts flowering in August and goes on for a long time. Also rudbeckia 'Goldsturm' which is a bright yellow rather than cream. Between them, they will fill the end of the garden year.