Hedges and Shrubs

I have started my garden at my first home, which was previously all grass. I have put in lots of cottage style flowers and would love ideas of what types of evergreen shrubs and plants to add to give it more depth and interest over winter.

I have some Toetoe bushes that need refurbishing. What is the best way to do this as they have been in about 30 years and are all dried at the base? Do I need new plants, or can I fix up the ones I have? 

When is a good time to remove my flax bush as it is taking up too much garden space? Can you suggest any shortcuts or give me any tips as to the best way to do this?

What do I do to get my buxus hedge greener?

I have about a dozen griselinia which have not grown as tall as the others. I have planted 22 for a hedge which are about 9 years old. What can I do to get them to grow higher and catch up to the others? 

I would like to know what to do when Buxus hedge turns brown. Do we need to add something to the soil?

I have just moved into a new place and would like to grow a tree/hedge along my back and side fence. The back fence has two fairly large trees right up close (in the neighbour’s) and the side fence has a tree too but not quite so near. I want something that will grow quickly, be hardy and reasonably easy to maintain.