All good advice from previous posters. Lizz and Scunner know their plants. Forget Holly and Flax. Plants I would add to those recommended are - Fuchsia riccartonii, Rosa rugosa, Ribes (Flowering Currant), Hippophae (Sea Buckthorn), Purple Willow (Salix daphnoides), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), and the Sambucus family (Elders), the gold and variegated cultivars are just as hardy as the common green one, and much more attractive.
If you are very exposed, you need to think long term and in layers. Now create an outer later of the above mentioned plants. In a year or two, build a second layer, within the shelter of the first. The second layer could include Cornus (Dogwoods), Cotoneaster (the taller growing ones like Bullata or Simonsii), Rosa spinosissima or Rosa glauca, the shrubby Loniceras (the Honeysuckle family but the hedging ones, not the climbing ones) like Ledebourii or Baggessen's Gold.
I confess I am a self-employed gardener, and as a sideline I grow plants for sale. But I am always happy to give advice without ulterior motive, as many orgers will testify. Will welcome a pm, If you think I can help further. Mike.
There are neither rights nor wrongs in gardening. Only experiences.
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