Hi Emma, when planning you garden I suggest some structure
in your approach. You know it is shady but it is also useful to know if the
soil tends to be dry or moist. Many plants are adaptable to the soil pH but
others have preferences for acidic, neutral or alkaline soils. This may sound
complicated but it is easy to work out, pH soil testers are readily available from
garden centres and easy to use. You will now have the information needed for
looking for plants (shade, soil moisture and soil type) which is normally
included on the labels. The RHS website is also a good source of reference.

As Garden Designers, we normally think of planting as
layers. First is the structure. Evergreen shrubs are good for this and Viburnum
tinus ‘Gwenlian’ is a great plant for shade that flowers in the winter and can
be cut back so it doesn’t get too big. Sarcococca is another favourite which
also flowers in winter and smells divine, perfect for beside a path. Next is
the mid layer. Aquilegia and Hellebores are good examples to use. Then we have ideas
for the ground cover, such as Bergenia, Heuchera and Viola odorata which smells
of sweet violets, Lovely!

As it’s quite a small space, be careful not to plant
anything too invasive. You want plants that behave themselves. I find that
staff at local nurseries tends to have a wealth of knowledge about plants, as
they grow them. Garden Centres tend to stock plants that look good at the time
of sale rather than with year round interest. So I’m sure a chat with a local
nursery will help you find the plants you need.

You mentioned adding chips over your pathway. I’d advise
against that as chips are ok for occasional use, but they can easily become a
pain as they shift about as you walk on them. It would also make wheeling you
bins in and out rather tricky. If the slabs do need to stay, then giving them a
good power wash and allowing some groundcover plants to spill onto then will freshen
them up and soften the look. Good luck and enjoy your garden!