Planting ideas anyone?

Why isn't it planted the same as the one on the other side? That would be neat and symmetrical and the sort of thing that P would like (maybe?).
If it were me, I'd plant lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme and other perennial, evergreen herbs. Decorative, useful, scented, low maintenance. easy to pick.

When the bedding goes in it does look vaguely symmetrical (to suit P) but also looks parks & gardens ish. See pic of other side of the steps. 
I already have the buddleia in the background as V spotted, the mother of the orange cuttings I sent you SC. I've got rosemary next to the buddleia.  The bedding this year is going to be showy yet again with dahlia lubega and possibly marigolds if any I've sown grow.