Can't begin to make any plant suggestions unless we know where you are......geographic location, please!

Ah. Thanks - we're in Greenwich, London, UK.

I don't know what grows there but IF Camellia does, one espaliered or topiaried across from the window would be nice. After something tall like that, an accent shrub or two would work well. Find a spot in the vicinity for some colorful annuals like Impatiens. Then, fill the rest with a medium height groundcover like Liriope muscari, but it doesn't have to be that in particular. When finished and grown together, let's not be looking at any more dirt or mulch.

Clematis armandii is a possibility for a fenceline climber as well. Evergreen, quite shade tolerant, a fragrant spring bloom but a big, vigorous vine so take that into consideration.

The planting beds are quite narrow so you are restricted as to what can be planted there. Sarcococca humilis is a low growing, spreading evergreen shrub/groundcover with highly fragrant winter flowers. Or a selection of hardy evergreen ferns with a hosta or two thrown in for foliage contrast.

Whatever you choose, I'd keep it very simple to compliment the simple, modern lines of the residence.

Camellias would be fine there. As would white Impatiens or Begonia semperflorens. Although Impatiens are still dodgy here due to the downy mildew outbreak. But I don't see the need for any colours other than green and white in that space.

Hostas are a bit of a liability due to our huge snail population, especially in gardens with walls.

Great. Thanks everyone. That has been really useful.

Based on those suggestions, I think we'll try the following, keeping in simple in colour terms with green+white+a little purple.

High: Clematis Armandii + Jasminum Polyanthum

Low: Sarcococca + white impatiens

Mid: possibly some Liriope Muscari

That's down the left of the photo.

On the other side, at the foot of the studio where it does get some direct light, i think we'll try some trays of Lavender + pots of white hydrangeas.

We've got a modular lighting system with fairy lights round the tree at the moment. Could add some uplights amongst the plants too. Will see how it looks.

How does that sound?

I'm excited to get planting!

I would put Liriope and Impatiens generally in the same height category. Sarcococca is potentially larger.

Sarcococca humilis never exceeds 16" - if that. Typically in the 10-12" range. It is really much more of a spreading evergreen groundcover than it is a shrub.

I like the idea of Sarcococca. The scent in winter is fabulous. It's green and glossy year round and would give more texture, height and interest than a dull leaved, ground hugging grass-like plant.

I love Clematis armandii but I think it would swamp your fence in no time unless you were up for a radical annual pruning session.

Yes, it can really become a monster! But it is prunable and I just wanted to provide an alternative to the jasmine. The jasmine will have a longer bloom season and I find it has a much stronger, carrying fragrance than does the clematis (too strong for me).