I'd agree with @JennyJ re the Cordyline Good suggestions from @Loxley too, and yes - it will be a more subtle effect than lots of very colourful perennials, but contrasting foliage is a great asset in any garden. Any plant with dark red/purple foliage also look great with the Alchemilla and also some of the smaller Euphorbias. There's a nice plant which I think Ballyrobert sells. It's a dwarf Aruncus [goatsbeard] and has lovely autumn colour. I think it's A. aethusifolius. I had my eye on it for a border in a similar aspect. Yes- just add a bit of soil/compost around the perennials every so often, but try and avoid covering the crown if you can. If you can initially plant them so that their soil level is almost level with the top of your bed [about an inch or so from the top] that makes it easier. If you plant them a bit deep, it makes it difficult to add anything without covering the crowns, and then you have to dig them up, which is a real PITA.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I chuck all sorts in my raised beds, all along the lines of bee loving plants. Though I have lost plants over the years, not sure if the frost gets in a little easier than if the plants were in the ground.
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Good suggestions from @Loxley too, and yes - it will be a more subtle effect than lots of very colourful perennials, but contrasting foliage is a great asset in any garden. Any plant with dark red/purple foliage also look great with the Alchemilla and also some of the smaller Euphorbias. There's a nice plant which I think Ballyrobert sells. It's a dwarf Aruncus [goatsbeard] and has lovely autumn colour. I think it's A. aethusifolius. I had my eye on it for a border in a similar aspect.
Yes- just add a bit of soil/compost around the perennials every so often, but try and avoid covering the crown if you can. If you can initially plant them so that their soil level is almost level with the top of your bed [about an inch or so from the top] that makes it easier. If you plant them a bit deep, it makes it difficult to add anything without covering the crowns, and then you have to dig them up, which is a real PITA.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Though I have lost plants over the years, not sure if the frost gets in a little easier than if the plants were in the ground.