That's a big question, Scabious! Depends on the size and location of the border, but basics are to use a mix of shrubs, some evergreen, some not, with/without berries, small and medium and large, then plan for perennials in between, in front and around, with taller items always at the back medium in the middle and small ones at the front, and including ground cover. As for choosing, you need to select things you like, then work out their flowering times, berrying times, colour of the leaves (purple, variegated, yellow, lime green, etc) shape of leaves (large, small, tiny) and combine them all in a way so that there's always something going on - even if that something is brightly variegated leaves with berries in midwinter, or bare red or yellow stems in winter. That's the art of planting, and why a good design/gardener gets paid - but you can do it yourself, with a lot of research and time.

Thanks Bamboo thats a great answer and gives me a starting point. Do you plant spring bulbs before the perennials so they come up in between or does everything have to have its own space. At last after 11 years of gardening I am beginning to "think" rather than just plant what I like the look of at the time.

its worth i think doning some research on a good plant site and go out and vissit some garden centres and take some pictures.build up a list of all the plants you like .then after a while go back and weed out the worse choices . you can buy computer soft wear now for garden design etc to . its even worth looking over a few fences round wear you live for plants you like.

Thanks Noseypotter i have just downloaded some garden design software but its beyond me I'm afraid...I have started doing what you suggest and have a small list already.I also have several shrubs that have to be moved so I am trying to include those if I can manage it. Now going to try as Bamboo suggested and list their colours,sizes etc.Many shrubs I have planted over the years are not to my liking so they will have to go.Also fancy buying the yellow book to see what gardens are open locally.

The yellow book is v good but if you just want to know which gardens are open near you, you can use the NGS website. Type in your postcode and the dates and choose 10 mile radius, 25 miles etc. You get a description and directions. I often use it

thanks Fentoi will do

And to answer your perennials/bulbs planting question, I always plant the bulbs after the plants - though they may be planted very, very close indeed with something like miniature daffodils or crocus and, say, fuchsia - I know the fuchsia will leaf up after the daffs and crocus are finished, so they can be planted very close to the roots of the fuchsia. With something like Crocosmia, its easier to plant that inbetween shrubs or perennials - you will have to dig up the clump every 2 or 3 years to thin it out anyway, so its easier to do that, but can be planted in a small space between other plants, because of its growth habit - tall and narrow.

Thanks Bamboo,a little more knowledge on gardening added,I have quite a lot of crocosmia lucifer and another smaller orangey one I do like them.I also have a smaller plant with red flowers not sure of the name.......schystilis or something although not many flowers on this year.

Schizostylis I expect you mean.Never grown it myself.

feel such a dunce,just looked it up now I know the correct name.It is also know as the kaffir lily.....thats something else I didnt know.

Schizostylis won't have any flowers yet as they come out in late summer autumn. Spreads eagerly and isn't touched by rabbits! :-)

Late summer autumn, think I shall have to get some then, Beattie, not something I've ever considered previously. And Scabious, don't feel a dunce - when I first started gardening, shrubs were all "bushes" and the only plant name I knew was wallflower and dandelion - and I'm not joking!

I find schizostylis are bombproof, a bit liable to take over, but you'll always have some to pass on to friends....
Scabioussheila - watch out for those things that are like crocosmia but orange and smaller. That's montbretia, they can be a real nuisance - spread like blazes and are almost impossible to eradicate. At least when you've got enough schizostylis you can dig it up where you don't want it.

Thanks Beattie,there is hope for the schizostylis then as there are two flowers out at the moment Thanks for those kind words Bamboo I have learned so much in the short time I have been here.

i think also scabiouss it is worth taking your time as you can get egsactly what you want generaly . i think like most things the planning and how well you plan make all the differance .better to think for a year and get all the right plants than to get the wrong ones . that i think is the beauty of this sight . everyone can help anyone and invariably do and you get to learn instantly answers that were invariably learnt the hard way at some point . a stitch in time saves nine as they say . good luck im sure you wont need it .

Wise words indeed Noseypotter.I am now finding out all my mistakes(and there are many)from my impatience when I first started my garden 11yrs ago.Liked the look of something......I got it and planted it anywhere.Thats why I am trying to put the brakes on a little with this project.I so much wanted a magnolia but after everyone's advice think in the long run it will be wise to look for something more likely to survive.Thanks for the good luck I will certainly need it

personaly i would get a magnolia and work the rest of your plants etc round it . you only live once and other people grow them ok . i think most peoples first experiance of gardening is to do what you did and buy plants you like and plant them with know research . now we have the computer age we have all the answers we need right at our fingertips scabiouss .

Well I think with all your help I have some good idea where to start.With what I hope to scavenge from other parts of my garden,and one or two new plants have some evergreens and shrubs to at least get the bones of the border started.i have took the turf away just need the ground dug over,plenty organic manure dug in and then by the winter may be able to move the shrubs in.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

your very welcome . im sure you wont need it but good luck scabiousshe . it doesnt hurt to be posative does it ? .