I wouldn't start from here if I had a choice but to dismantle what's
there - remove the gravel and the stone border and replace with a
lawned area - has implications for the rest of the garden which I lack
the resources to undertake.

Here's a pic of it. It's about 10 x 1.5 metres.

http://i665.photobucket.com/albums/v...F2040-crop.jpg

The previous owners obviously liked it looking a bit formal and I've
done nothing yet to change it other than neglect it.

I did take out and replace 8 old leggy lavenders which should be just
about visible, 4 each side. There are additionly 2 mature ones at the
top end of the pic which haven't needed replacing yet.

I was deeply depressed the other day when a friend remarked that the
overall impression was of a military cemetery and I can see what he
means. Those four yellowish pompoms of (variegated privet?) certainly
don't help so I intend to get shot of those pdq and would like to pick
out some shrubs that would at least go some way to de-formalising the
overall effect and lend a bit of grace. I'm happy to keep the
lavender, so for the moment I'm looking for shrubs to slot in between
the lavender plots - that'll be 8 plants.

I know the whole thing is a bit like a cribbage board but, as I say, I
need a quick remedy. My knowledge of shrubs and gardening in general
is parlous so I would be very grateful for all and any suggestions.
Plants that are not too temperamental, and are happy to settle at
about 1 metre high.

Thanks in tense anticipation.