Advice on structural plants please

I have 2 areas for planting in my garden, a flower bed and a rockery. Neither of them has any plants for year round structure.
I think I don't like structural plants, but am prepared to keep an open mind.
Definitely out though are conifers, heathers, anything tropical looking and grasses.
Does that leave much?

 

Hi Daisybelle, structural plants can be anything that adds structural interest in the garden all year round but especially in winter when perennial plants have disappeared below ground. These can be evergreen shrubs such as hebes and azaleas, even better if they have berries such as holly and cotoneasters.
Some evergreens have variagated leaves, such as Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold.
Decidious shrubs with interesting or coloured stems, like twisted willow or cornus alba, look lovely in winter.
Good luck with whatever you decide

 

Hmmm, hebes might be an idea, although they'd have to be the small ones as the areas aren't that big.
I like the berries idea too, thanks.