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Here are some options to try:

Formal
Go extra formal, filling up all available growing spaces with a co-ordinated ground cover of heathers (Erica, Calluna), low growing conifers or ornimental grasses.

Herbs
Try herbs, not only for their culinary use, but as decorative plants, with purple sage, golden thyme or marjoram, leafy chives and curly parsley all massed to create a varied colour effect.

Small shrubs
Make use of small, compact shrubs with contrasting foliage and flower. Shrubby Senecio (Brachyglottis) for example, has white-backed, grey-green leaves and lovely golden daisy flowers. Russian sage (Perovskia) makes a charming contrast with this, having silver leaves and blue flowers in late summer.

Barberry (Berberis thunbergii 'atropurpurea Nana') will bring gorgeous purple foliage to the display, making a superb contrast with creeping spindle tree (Euonymus), or with cotton lavenders (Santolina).

Bold plants
Use bold specimen plants - such as those with distinctive foliage, or dramatic flowers.

Outdoor Yuccas or cabbage palm (Cordyline) are excellent for this, having sharp, spiky leaves and gorgeous flowers, in season.

African lilies (Agapanthus), red hot pokers (Kniphofia), day lilies (Hermerocallis) and montbretia (Crocosmia) all contribute both foliage and brilliant flowers.

Bedding plants
Consider bedding as part of your formal classic garden. Almost all bedding plants are suitable.

Experiment with colours. The orange or red of French marigolds (Tagetes) or Salvias, for example, goes beautifully with the dark green of box (Buxus sempervirens) or Yew (Taxus).

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