A sunny border gives you plenty of choice, but it is still worth looking carefully at the conditions before buying plants. Sun alone does not tell the whole story.
How much sun is there?
A place that receives direct sun for much of the day can become hot and dry in summer. South-facing walls can make this effect stronger. Other sunny borders may still have cool, moisture-retentive soil.
Choose plants for the soil
Lavender, rosemary and many Mediterranean plants prefer free-draining ground. Roses, hardy geraniums and many traditional border plants are more forgiving, provided the soil is reasonably fertile and does not stay waterlogged.
Think about height
Put taller plants where they will not hide smaller ones. In a border viewed mainly from one side, this usually means taller plants towards the back. Repeating a few plants along the border often gives a calmer result than using a different plant in every space.
Leave room to grow
Young plants can make a newly planted border look empty. Avoid filling every gap immediately. Most perennials and shrubs need time and space to reach their natural size.
A good sunny border is not simply a collection of plants that like sunshine. Soil, height, flowering period and final size are just as important.