my french country garden - your opinion please

last June's lupins

In the middle of a big re-working of the garden here, and the late arrival of spring seems to be on my side as I dither and hesitate in choosing new plants.

I have always gone, quite naturally, for a sort of cottage garden style with big mixed borders, rambling climbers and a romantic rambling style, but times are a changing ....

this is not my house! but oh! what a beautiful façade!

I find myself more easily drawn to bold statements, to blocks of flowers rather than tapestry borders.  Of course this bolder planting also makes for easier maintenance (I hope!).

I have  a little help to hand in the shape of a knowledgeable and charming gardener who stops by now and again, and it is always helpful to hear his ideas.

Right now he is trying to persuade me that two wisteria trees planted in front of the house would be a good idea. ....... I'm having a little trouble with that - it's amazing how difficult it is to visualise a new style!

You may remember that I mentioned Les Jardins Agapanthes, here in Normandy.  I'll be returning there next month, and I readily admit to being influenced by their style of planting.

Les Jardins Agapanthes, Grigneuseville, Normandy

So ... I wondered if you could help me with your good ideas? ....

We have enlarged the symmetrical beds in front of the house, and are about to move the pair of central boxwood bushes.   The beds will each measure about 6 meters or 18' wide, and approx 4 meters or 9' deep - that 's quite big spaces to fill and keep tidy!   

I'm thinking that I'll plant some big hydrangeas, allium, agapanthus, maybe groups of white foxgloves, I could put in some lavender .... I'd be happy to stick to whites, blues and greys, but I know I need some height and bulk.

I know that many of you enjoy your gardens as much as I do, and I wondered whether you have experience of changing your style?  Is it really as difficult as it feels, or will I get used to it pretty fast?

Thank you for your input, I always listen carefully when you give me your advice.