think the first one is ceanothus(spelling wrong) the other looks like a skimmia but I know the knowledgable ones will correct me.
Sheila

Well, the first is a Ceanothus with the blue flowers. The second appears to be a Skimmia, possibly the self fertile S. japonica var reevesiana.

Snap!

Thanks for your help

done my confidence the world of good Fractal
Sheila

The foliage in the first picture seems to look more like a hebe (which can have similar flowers) rather than a ceanothus......?

You know, a second look and I think you could be right there Longleaf.

Sorry Sheila, I think we are both wrong on the first Lol. Not making any excuses but I'm just on the cusp of having to wear reading glasses (just bought my first pair). Now where did I put them.....

Phew! I looked at it and thought "Hebe" and was glad I was too late to answer when everyone else thought it was ceanothus. :-?

I have specs Fractal so its just a lack of knowledge for me.Worse as I have both in my garden.......is there an emoticon for dunce..