...soil. what shrubs should i buy? Its my nans garden actually I have already rotovated the area and my back is still killing me I want to have a small raised area of bulbs and perenials she can maintain herself any suggestions for the rest its about 12m x10m

Improve the soil as much as you are able with compost and well rotted manure. If you use mushroom compost test the soil before planting as this can be very alkaline.

You don't say if it is a sunny situation or not but these shrubs will do well almost anywhere.

Sarcococca confusa - common name winter box - is a small dark evergreen shrub that has winter flowers with a very strong perfume.

Nandina domestica - heavenly bamboo - also hold it's leaves during winter and gives lovely late summer colour.

Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine' is a dwarf form of the mock orange and has white flowers with a beautiful perfume around May time.

There are lots of low growing Hebes available which would be suitable, best to check what you like best in the garden centre.

All of these shrubs are very low maintenance and easily obtainable from garden centres.

as long as their is good drainage ie sand then stone then good compost then virtually any perenial should be ok just make sure you dont get one that spreads like wild fire.

Low maintenance gardening

www.insideout-gardening.co.uk/articles/low-maintenance.html