Plants for a long planter / Geraniums

Hi,

We've just sorted out a long raised planter using sleepers along the edge of the patio and are looking for a plant / plants to put into it. The planter top is level with the patio, about 45cm (1 1/2 foot) wide, and has a step down to the lawn splitting the planter into two sections. It is on the north side of the house and gets light most of the day in summer. Oh and we have kids!

My initial idea is to place a single type of Geranium along the whole length with bulbs underneath for spring interest. I am interested in Rozanne but is this that much better than Johnsons Blue or Brookside?

Could we add other plants to this to add interest in a repeat pattern such as a large hosta. We quite like to blues/whites but could be open to other suggestions.

Thanks for any suggestions or feedback on the different Geraniums.

Matster