What about pieris - forest flame is beautiful with colouful foliage. Ours are in the same place and love it.

It just depends how big your pots are,as to what you could grow in them,Karenmary..

Christmas box? Not showy but has scented flowers in December. You could put fibrous rooted begonias round the base for summer to brighten them up. Hostas would be OK if something lower would do. Young skimmias would be fine for a few years - they grow very slowly.These prefer a compost on the acid side.

Thanks! I will immediately google the plants suggested! Didn't really expect any answers but great that I did. The pots are tall thin ones but have big square ones we could use instead.

I think the big square ones would be a better choice,K.mary..as you sound as though you would have room for them..you wouldn't be as restricted in your selection then..as regards to the roots of whatever you choose..and as they are by your door,it would be more sheltered,I imagine,from the elements..you just need to check what soil conditions your new plants would need..Maybe you could still keep your box in their original planters ? Much more scope with bigger planters..good luck:o)

I have to say heucheras with dwarf spring bulbs,

As heucheras give colour all year and surprise you with their coat of many changing colours.

Heathers, the white flowered ones, cannot remember thr name!

A dwarf Nandina would look good all year round, with pretty leaves randomly turning red - a very reliable Evergreen.

I have box and winter box at my north facing entrance as well as an Acer Drummoni. Kerria japonica and Mahonia would look nice, esp Mahonia which can be grown as a standard. If you want something different then a Scots pine cloud pruned would look elegant and is quite easy to do.

Even more research to do! Thanks everyone - I have a totally chaotic 'London strip' of about 90ft x 30ft in desperate need of a makeover and can't find a gardener who doesn't want to charge grillions to make it too perfect! Do any of you have photos of your gardens - we need some inspiration!

Yes, we all have photos of our gardens, Karenmary! Click on "Garden Pictures" above for inspiration . . .

. . . and if you click on any of our names/avatars, you'll see our own pics :)

You could also type "Garden Design" into the Search box - good luck.