Answer #2 ·
Gardenality.com's Answer · Okay, Christy. So, the area is mostly shaded, the soil should be well-drained since you have corrected a drainage problem, you want plants that grow between 3 feet in height or under, and you're in zone 6a. You want simple and low-maintenance. The one's with an asterisk (*) are the most low maintenance. Here's some plant suggestions.
Evergreen Shrubs:
Autumn Cheer Encore Azalea
*Green Velvet Boxwood
*Soft Touch Holly
*Winter Gem Boxwood
*Harbour Dwarf or other Dwarf Nandina
*Creeping Yew
Forever And Ever Hydrangea
Perennials:
Hosta Lily
*Autumn Fern (evergreen) and other perennial ferns
Heuchera (many varieties)
Helleborus (Lenten Rose)
Toad Lily
Groundcovers:
*Liriope (non-spreading types such as 'Big Blue')
*Mondo Grass (dwarf or regular)
Vinca Minor (perennial periwinkle) - requires minor edging when in confined spaces
Pachysandra
Creeping Jenny - requires minor edging when in confined spaces
After planting you can use a 1 to 2 inch layer of a shredded wood mulch around the plants. If you plant a groundcover such as the Creeping Jenny or Vinca Minor this would eventually eliminate the need for mulch as these low-growing plants will fill the space, without climbing all over shrubs. I would not suggest growing grass between shrubs you plant. Grass is for the lawn and plants and mulch are for landscape beds. You always want your garden and landscape beds to be defined from your lawn areas.
Hope these suggestions helped. Let me know if you have any further questions.
Brent)