What plants would be good with these pines?

[domonique]

 looking for some suggestions. this is a project in progress as I’m just preparing the area and still have to pull out the yucca stumps between the pines.  

vision is to create a long garden bed with - shallow brick border/edging and have various plants of height between the pines. 
plants in front to be short and span across the entire width (even in front of pines), and then taller plants/shrubs behind that to add some layering to the bed. 
would appreciate suggestions on types of plants/flowers that would suit this. I would like some colour variations for sure. 
the ground is quite clay for reference.

[JacobZ]

Hi @domonique,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

When planting around pines, it’s best to choose species that can handle root competition, drier conditions, and heavier clay soil. You can achieve a layered and colourful look by mixing hardy groundcovers, striking foliage plants, and flowering shrubs.

For the front border, heuchera works beautifully with its vibrant foliage in shades of red, purple, and bronze that provide colour all year. Another option you could consider is dianella (Flax Lily), which produces sprays of small star-shaped blue to purple flowers in spring and summer, often followed by striking purple berries that add extra seasonal interest.

For a mid-layer bursting with colour, consider camellias, salvias, and abelia grandiflora, all of which are hardy and long-flowering. Camellias provide year-round structure with glossy evergreen leaves and a profusion of blooms in shades of pink, red, or white, often flowering in the cooler months when little else is on show. Through summer and into autumn, ornamental Salvias bring bold spikes in purple, blue, or red, attracting bees and butterflies while withstanding heat and dry spells. Abelia grandiflora softens the mix with semi-evergreen foliage and masses of fragrant white to pink flowers that appear from spring right through to autumn. Combined, these shrubs create a colourful, layered display that keeps the garden lively across the seasons.

By combining these plants, you can create a layered garden bed: Flax Lily and Heuchera forming a colourful and textural carpet at the front, with camellias, salvias and abelia grandiflora rising behind to give height and seasonal flower displays.

You might also like to check out How To Design a Garden for further guidance.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob