Fran,

The exposure (west, south, sunny, shady, etc), soil type (clay, sandy, etc), drainage, room, and hardiness zone (which state) have a lot to do with which plants look best.

What works in Oregon is not what is best in Florida. Visit a garden nursery, NOT a home center, and ask their professional opinion.

depends on where you live? Azalea bushes do well. Burning bush, forsythia, lilac-any flowering bush. Gardenia, etc... All of these have great color. Even hydrangeas. Visit your local nursery to see them in bloom and what is tolerant in your area. You may not want flowering shrubs, but most of the others are your typical green bush. Lot's of luck!!!

Don't forget the evergreen family for year round color. Interspace them with your flowering plants. Just remember to keep all plant height at a 5 or 6 foot level or shorter.......