Hi,

I have found a plant in the garden that the previous owner left. From searching the net I found its called "Mountain Cornflower". I'm new to here so I don't know how to upload a picture to an answer (or whether it is possible) but I will upload some pictures in profile.

Unfortunately I don't know if its good for your climate but with the name "Mountain" in it .... maybe it does survive in a northern climate

Just a few suggestions....

Verbena bonairiensis
Agastache "black adder"
Sedum spectabalie

However, im not sure how they'd do on the coast

Mountain cornflower is Centaurea montana, not sure how well it does in cold, windy regions.
Plants to consider are Bergenia, Armeria, Hesperis, Primula, Pulmonaria, Achillea, Ajuga. Shrubs include Berberis, Caragana, Calluna, Erica, deciduous Euonymus species. Some of these will not like salt laden winds, so depends how close to the coast you are.

It grows on the steep bank just beyond my fence, Bamboo. So, if it grows here, I imagine it would grow anywhere?

I expect it does, Ojibway - I think its endemic to the British Isles generally.

Butteflies and bees love Buddleia.

Thank you for all these ideas. I will try and post pictures if successful.

They love catmint (nepeta) and golden marjoram - not expensive so worth a try.

Yes golden marjoram is a bee and nectar lovers magnet.

Ulex, or gorse, is a good one.