6/365: Along the Front of the House

This is the front of the house where the previous owners gravelled the two flower beds.  Unfortunately it hasn't been done very well and, as you can see, weeds are a constant problem.  At the least this will need to be done properly but I'd like to add some bulbs and a possibly a few small low maintenance shrubs. 

 

I don't want to create a problem where anything grows out over the pavement so any shrubs will need to have a very contained shape/growth.  Does anyone know if it is possible to have all year round flowers from bulbs?  Answers to this question and ideas for suitable shrubs will be very much appreciated!