Gloucestershire,
United Kingdom 
We have just pruned a large Magnolia bush in the WSW facing front garden. We now have a blank canvas and wonder whether anyone has any suggestions for planting (a) on the sunny front edge. We have considered lavenders for the front edge, which may become shady as the bush grows. (b) the shady rear. We need ground cover which also suppresses weeds, as the area is not particularly accessible. (c) A sunny south west facing wall to the side. We have considered a climbing plant, but we need one which is slow growing with a reasonably low maximum height.
15 Sep, 2010
Previous question
For the sunny side, perhaps ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. repens? Shade bits, epimediums, japanese anemones, brunnera, carex oshimensis 'Evergold' (if it's not too dry), geranium phaeum, skimmia, hydrangea. Depends a little on the soil, waer retention, etc. Sunnier front bit - hardy geraniums, G. macrorrhizum, G. 'Brookside', sedum spectabile, ceratostigma plumbaginoides (fairly low-growing variety). Phil J
15 Sep, 2010