The message
from "David" contains these words:

Hi everyone,

I would like to plant some evergreen shrubs (or plants) in a 1m x 6m bed
which during winter is shaded by a 6ft screen block wall to the east and to
the south by a 8 ft conifer hedge. In summer the bed will see the sun for
3-4hrs in the afternoon. At present all that is planted is a tall hebe (?)
right at the back at the intersection between the wall and hedge. The hebe
is doing well and I would like to keep. The bed runs along the length of the
wall and borders onto my patio. I live in East Lothian on the S East coast
of Scotland.
Apart from the mahonias and conifers I am struggling to come up with
ideas for shrubs which will look good in winter (they will be visible from
my conservatory). Any suggestions for shrubs or plants and to where I can
get them?

thanks,

David

Garrya elliptica, especially the variety 'James Roof' is good in shade
and is very striking in winter. It has very long tassely catkins. They
get longer and longer as the winter goes on and reach their peak in
about January.
Janet G