Hydrangeas aren't really container shrubs - they make very big plants. A bit of shade is best for them, and good, moisture retentive soil if you don't get regular, decent rainfall.
Is the site a sunnier one then? If it's suiting the lavender, it might be better to pick a few perennials which like the same conditions. You can add bulbs to that too. It also depends on what look you want there though - evergreens, perennials, shrubs or a mix. A single specimen shrub or small tree etc.
Hi again, must admit I kind of thought they weren't as they remind me of my childhood, everywhere I looks there were wide rounded bush like hydrangea in nearly every garden I looked. The soil in the front garden is pretty moisture retentive and living outside Belfast we generally get plenty of rain.
The front garden is generally a sun trap (when the sun is out) late afternoon so the wall area does tend to get a good bit of sun then shaded once the sun passes the wall area overhead. When you say if it suits the lavender, do you mean the lavender planted near the hydrangea or the other border's lavender? Wasn't sure if you were asking because of the sun or the wall or perhaps competition of roots systems lol.
To be honest I don't particularly have a look in mind at the minute, I want to respect the hard work that the previous owner had put into the garden. The corner bit I like but it needs a bit of trimming and tidying up and of course I love the crocosmia that flash of red is fab. It has gone a bit wild and I guess there's probably a lot of wildlife under that corner. I guess ... if anything I'm looking for bright colours and yes evergreens. There's just me and far from retirement yet so I guess low maintenance but without compromising the beauty of plants.
There's so much I want to do lol, just catching up with Friday night's gardener's world programme so want a wild meadow bit too but I don't think the front garden lends itself to doing the wild thing. My back garden will definitely be better.
Thanks again Fairygirl, your input is helpful and is provoking a lot of thought.
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