Hi everyone,

I am really hoping someone here with great gardening wisdom might be able to give me some suggestions. I have a small space outside my apartment up against the house that I want to do something with - we live in New York (Zone 7a). It is quite a sunny little spot, it gets sun from about 10-11am all day with very hot afternoon sun. As you can see, I have a lavender bush there now, and pansies that have done really well. There is one large bush (on the left) that will remain, however, I am removing the two bushes that are in the middle (I've indicated these with red arrows) to make space for my garden. I'd like a garden that's colored with flowers but prefer darker, luscious greens. I'd prefer something that is going to last year after year. I don't mind maintaining it.

I don't know where to start - I was thinking some smaller shrubs/bushes in the back with a mixture of smaller things in the front but don't even know what bushes/shrubs/flowers to begin looking at. Thanks!