Sacha writes
What a lovely place you have - lucky you! Had you thought of geraniums
- the cranesbills, not the pelargoniums. They tolerate most soils and
don't seem to troubled by pests. Some types don't miind a fair bit of
shade. One that we especially like is called Geranium Jolly Bee and it
flowers for ages here, well into October, spreading quickly into
sizeable mounds. You could try just one or two as an experiment this
year and then add more if it works.

Don't the ones that tolerate shade prefer soil that is a bit damper? Or
are there ones that cope with both dry soil and shade?

G endressii (French geranium) is a possibility - that seems to grow
anywhere, sun and shade and rubbish soil, ad once it starts flowering,
it flowers pretty well for the whole summer. Bright pink flowers, not
blue!
--
Kay