This autumn you could plant dwarf bulbs such as snowdrops, Iris, Narcissus, Tulips, for next spring,
This summer you could try Impatiens (bizzy lizzy), Bergenia Pink Dragonfly, Several of those little plastic windmills on sticks look bright and cheerful in among the flowers.

Try some annuals - like Calendula (Marigolds), nigella (Love-in-the-mist),Iberis (Candytuft) as they're fast growing, and should also seed themselves for next year.

thanks for advice have written my list off to garden center tomorrow, n i like plastic windmills never thought of puttin them in flower bed.