What do I plant in this big gap

So looking at this closer it does look like a couple of different green Hebes with the purple one on the right hand side.

This is the thing I struggle with the most, you've hit the nail on the head. And I know it to be the way things are but I just can't seem to resolve it mentally.

I think I'm going to try that hybrid approach, a mix of stuff like you suggest, plants that naturally take on that shape but also try to include some smaller examples of more polished topiary to dot around in containers to see how i can bring them along.

I struggle with this personally but I think I've just not got any sort of a look yet and that's part of my frustrations.

 

You've made a start though @latimer. You've decided you want some structural, topiarised plants. You want a look that has some symmetry, and with evergreens for giving something extra for those long days of winter, and which will fit well with your perennials.
That's progress already
If you choose a group of smaller topiary balls or similar, try grouping a few together - same plant but differing heights/sizes. That will give an instant effect.

 

Will do, it's kind of what I had in mind

 

Once you've got something sorted - you'll be able to change that signature message @latimer

 

Ok, going to throw another option in there: Lonicera nitida

The only downside being that it is pretty fast growing and can get 3m tall

 

Haha, I think that'll be there for a while yet!

 

I use Lon. nitida as hedging etc, but it can also work in containers long term, and the big advantage is that it's very easy to take cuttings from. I have a hedge in the front garden [now around two feet] which was grown from cuttings of one original plant that I had moved. All planted last year or the year before.

You'll get there

 

Sounds perfect, hopefully I'll see what I can get this weekend.

 

Positive thinking now....

 

Ok, time for an update.

I popped into one of the nurseries I pass on my way home from work. They had lots of examples of Taxus balls ranging from £40 - £300 with even the £40 ones being of a decent size. I think I’ll get one of the smaller ones to have in a container near the front corner.

I had a look for some Hebes but couldn’t find any of the ones we had discussed. I am tempted to get at least one though to fill that central section of the bed somewhat and to get one that won’t need too much tending to. I may bite the bullet and get one online. However……..

…….i was also thinking about the circular seating area with the white gravel. I’d like that space to feel more enclosed and shady. I’m hoping the climbing rose will soon fill out the screen at the back but realised I need at least one or maybe two trees on the right hand side for some height. A quick google and a bit of encouragement from my wife and I pulled the trigger on an Acer Griseum, one of our favourite trees from my parents garden! Garden budget has taken a bit of a hit!

 

I think I might consider the possibility of creating a circular raised bed off centre in the bed you are struggling with. That would give added height to a smaller growing tree or shrub. I would look for an evergreen with hopefully, autumn colour and flowers in Spring. I am not fond of solid blocks of colour so would choose something airy, possibly weeping or very upright for structure. Or a knarly olive tree. The options are numerous.
I am going to look into finding out about the big round "things" used for underground mains water drainage. I am going to do a reccie at a local builders yard to see what they have, to be used as planters. I know there is one buried in one of my banks around the garden. I haven't dared dig it out because I think I would end up demolishing part of the bank. Not a good idea!

 

If you buy one of the yew balls, you could place it on the bed (in its pot to give some extra height) and see where another one or hebe would give best affect.

Acer griseum is one of my favourites too, unfortunately (luckily for the garden budget) I haven’t really got anywhere to put one. Mmm now got my thinking hat on…