Haven't got a clue to advise on the planting - but what a wonderful opportunity! I would look through mags and books for my fave plants (I know what I think is pretty but don't know what it is!) then would plan it into my garden.
I'm in the process of planning my (very) small back garden and this is what I am doing..............once Ive got rid of the weeds which seem to be growing at a vast rate.........once Ive finished planting on my lottie which takes priority, of course! Bernie aka DDL

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Appreciate the little things in life because one day you will realise they are the big things