So how do I tell if it is huney fungus?

There are so many plants that I'll just give you a few names: Bergenia, Dianthus, Pasque flower, Campanula, Scabious, Heelbore, Geranium sanguineum, Lavatera, Veronica, Phygelius, Japanese Anamone.

I am a little worried by your second question. Are you saying that you have Honey Fungus in your garden? If so, it's going to make life difficult in your garden.

The RHS says that yew, cornus, beech and hebe have SOME resistance to Honey Fungus. There are many shrubs which are susceptible, unfortunately.

As Spritzhenry has said there are loads of plants of all kinds suitable. Just a few more.
Trees, Apples, pears, mountain ash, Whitebeam, plums, cherries etc.
Shrubs, roses, kerria etc.
Plants, Spiraeas, Geum, potentilla, delphinium, wallflowers, stocks, antirrinums, asters, sunflowers.
Hoping you haven't already got Honey Fungus.
Elaeagnus, Photinia, and Tamarix also have some resistance for a hedge.
I presume you are on chalk, it is essential when preparing for planting, to bring in better top soil.

I asked the RHS about hedging resistant to honey fungus several year backs and they recommended yew. Fortunately I was able to remove the source of the honey fungus but it's a long job

Honey fungus shows as clusters of small round fungal growths on the base of dead (or soon to be!) trees or shrubs. It creates a white layer under the bark, this smells storingly of mushrooms. There are also 'bootlaces' which are long, black straggly growths from the affected tree/shrub's roots under the soil, spreading out.

If you google 'Honey Fungus' there are several sites with photos and 'solutions' to the problem - which apparently is very hard to eradicate. It sounds as though Andrew would be able to give you some first-hand experience of it.