Wish someone would hurry up and invent that design computer programme we all want so I could show you what I have in my head! Maybe while I'm laid up I could launch an investigation
Why not just pick a colour you like and then research plants that fit the bill - although I think blues are difficult to mix but delphiniums would go with your blue salvias as they have several shades of blue available or mix blue and white for a fresh look. Remember also to contrast foliage shapes and sizes.
As for designing it, get out several sheets of paper and some crayons or water colours then experiment with formal and informal lines and shapes. For example, two diagonal lines across the middle to give 4 blocks of colour or shape; scalloped shapes drawn along the edge and the middle filled with something tall/spiky/airy/frothy according to taste or a bird bath or sculpture or an obelisk; concentric lines of planting working in from the edge to the middle and so on.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
BM - annoying thing is my OH is a software writer - he could so easily do this - but I suppose like people who have builders for OH home is always last on the list. He did say - when pushed - that although he could write it I wouldn't have the technical knowledge to operate the system - double
Obelixx - like your thinking, am looking at The ideas from the Sissinghurst White garden at the minute, do like blue though. think I will get a few choices together and look in detail at plant suitability and ease of growing and of course getting hold of at a reasonable price, good job it only a small patch, could get quite carried away.
“Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else?” —Betsy Cañas Garmon
DD said "Nice & easy Birdy, might have another spot to try that in, what is it called? I have a bit of a soggy bottom bit it might like."
Sorry, DD, the fern was planted years ago and I have no idea which one it is. I would choose one you like the look of from a supplier - I think most ferns like similar conditions : darkish, but not all the time; dampish, but not waterlogged... I expect there are plenty of other forum members who can advise further and better than me.
Thanks Birdy, very clever using that quote-y thing, not worked it out yet.
Verdun - do you think Salvia Amistad would look good next to my Echinops? Have cut them back this year and now need something to fill the gap (different bed but all blues, deep pinks and purples with a yellow front border.
“Coffee. Garden. Coffee. Does a good morning need anything else?” —Betsy Cañas Garmon
DD I have a white corner or the garden, beware it is very difficult to achieveunless you have the skills if Gardeners from Sissinghurst. Instead I now have a "light" garden
starts with snowdrops,onto dwarf daffs, muscari, alliums, roses then cosmos,and any white annuals that are on the sale stand!
with the perspective a "light" oval will draw the eye to behind.
Your garden looks stunning, if you wanted to add a small sculpture to the bed you could pay small child to stand in the middle!
Please remember to post results
Weeds are flowers, too, once you get to know them.” A A Milne
I would just grass it over leaving a bare circle for the magnolia. Because no matter what you put in it, your eye will always be drawn first to the big bed on the left and the lovely acer on the right.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Posts
Wish someone would hurry up and invent that design computer programme we all want so I could show you what I have in my head!
Maybe while I'm laid up I could launch an investigation 
Why not just pick a colour you like and then research plants that fit the bill - although I think blues are difficult to mix but delphiniums would go with your blue salvias as they have several shades of blue available or mix blue and white for a fresh look. Remember also to contrast foliage shapes and sizes.
As for designing it, get out several sheets of paper and some crayons or water colours then experiment with formal and informal lines and shapes. For example, two diagonal lines across the middle to give 4 blocks of colour or shape; scalloped shapes drawn along the edge and the middle filled with something tall/spiky/airy/frothy according to taste or a bird bath or sculpture or an obelisk; concentric lines of planting working in from the edge to the middle and so on.
Kef - interesting.
BM - annoying thing is my OH is a software writer - he could so easily do this - but I suppose like people who have builders for OH home is always last on the list.
He did say - when pushed - that although he could write it I wouldn't have the technical knowledge to operate the system - double 
Obelixx - like your thinking, am looking at The ideas from the Sissinghurst White garden at the minute, do like blue though. think I will get a few choices together and look in detail at plant suitability and ease of growing and of course getting hold of at a reasonable price, good job it only a small patch, could get quite carried away.
DD said "Nice & easy Birdy, might have another spot to try that in, what is it called? I have a bit of a soggy bottom bit it might like."
Sorry, DD, the fern was planted years ago and I have no idea which one it is. I would choose one you like the look of from a supplier - I think most ferns like similar conditions : darkish, but not all the time; dampish, but not waterlogged... I expect there are plenty of other forum members who can advise further and better than me.
Thanks Birdy, very clever using that quote-y thing, not worked it out yet.
Verdun - do you think Salvia Amistad would look good next to my Echinops? Have cut them back this year and now need something to fill the gap (different bed but all blues, deep pinks and purples with a yellow front border.
DD I have a white corner or the garden, beware it is very difficult to achieveunless you have the skills if Gardeners from Sissinghurst. Instead I now have a "light" garden
starts with snowdrops,onto dwarf daffs, muscari, alliums, roses then cosmos,and any white annuals that are on the sale stand!
with the perspective a "light" oval will draw the eye to behind.
Your garden looks stunning, if you wanted to add a small sculpture to the bed you could pay small child to stand in the middle!
Please remember to post results
A A Milne
I would just grass it over leaving a bare circle for the magnolia. Because no matter what you put in it, your eye will always be drawn first to the big bed on the left and the lovely acer on the right.
Hogweed - my OH would love you.
Thx Verdun, actually think I have some sahins, will spread them about a bit.
LP - Small child never ever stands still, bit like me OH bemoans us both - he hardly ever moves.
I have a Plan A not quite sure how to attach it - here goes....
.... that didn't work, all my lovely lines went wobbly.
will try again tomorrow.
Seriously, thanks for advice, all so very exciting, have found a lovely birdbath design too, just got to get OH to make it.