What a fantastic space! As well as shrubs, you could easily add some trees as you have the space, just don’t plant them too near to neighbours fences as it can invade their space. My favourite trees are Birch (Betula), Mountain Ash (Sorbus) and Hawthorn (Crataegus) but there are so many to choose from. Fruit trees such as apples, pears, figs and cherries are lovely, but can be messy if you do not pick the fruit, I agree with HORTED that you need to know soil type - you can get a tester for a few quid- because, for example, putting an acid lover in a chalky soil will make it very sad. Also check aspect - sunny, shady, part-shade as again a shrub can fail if it’s in the wrong spot. Shrubs I love are the Viburnum family, Sambucus Nigra Black Lace, Hibiscus, Hydrangeas, Weigela, Ceanothus, Cornus varieties, Syringa (Lilac), Buddleija. Lovely plants to grow through your shrubs are Clematis, apart from the Montana variety that will be too vigorous.

If you would like an evergreen tree, how about a standard arbutus? You can buy them with different lengths of stem/trunk so it won't block the view of the rhododendron and they can be pruned to achieve the height and shape you want.

Hi. To create a sense of texture and a feeling of height, why not include a dwarf Japanese Acer in front of something taller. Many have interest all through the season, with changing leaf foliage. Also something to consider whilst look for a landscape designer to help, is whether you want a restricted colour palette or not? Such as greys/greens/whites/purple or a wider variety of colour. Love to see it when all finished. Also if you are on Instagram it might be worth following the guys on ‘My Tiny Estate’ as they plant up different areas of their own property. They are learning all the time too. 🌿

I saw on a gardening programme yesterday where someone had a very busy motorway at the end of her garden. The expert, Duirmid Gavin, said to plant a hedge of Laurel. It’s a thick evergreen shrub that gets quite big but will help with the noise. He suggests it is pruned to keep it in check.