Plantlife's Nature and Nurture garden

I’ve had this plot since the late 90’s and have planted various rounds of perennials and shrubs. Its a dry patch, quite clayey in places, and poor in nutrients and water especially in the raised areas. Rather than struggle with this, which I tried to do by mulching etc, I’ve got used to planting what is more likely to survive and wait for nature to decide whether it will thrive.