[Grubbypaws]

I am in need of some inspiration.

I want to grow something up a gritstone wall right next to my front door. I have had a yellow rose there for 20+ years but it got unhealthy and died. I probably need to avoid planting another rose.

The wall faces south west so it is very sunny and also quite windy at times. It would be planted right next to the wall and would be a prominent feature as you approach my home.

The soil there is clay with as much compost dug in as possible but it is still clay 

My garden is quite 'cottagy' with many pastel colours.

 I am in Derbyshire so it would have to be hardy and I dont use chemicals so it would have to be able to stay healthy.

Has any one got a suggestion? Maybe something that you have grown in similar circumstances or something that you have seen someone else do.

[Goosegirl]

As you said, another rose won't do as the soil will have "rose sickness," unless you dig an awful lot of it out. Your need for a prominent feature that can withstand the wind limits the choices. All I can think of for the moment is either an Escallonia, or perhaps a box or dwarf upright conifer that you can use to create some sort of topiary with.

[Grubbypaws]

I was thinking more of a climber to grow up and around the entrance.

[Goosegirl]

I have seen Pyracantha used and trained against a wall to great effect. It's a very hardy evergreen, has white flowers in spring followed by red or orange berries in Autumn, and should withstand winds.