What would you plant in a shady border in Aberdeenshire?

My front yard has been very neglected for a number of years. I want to rescue this border from the grass that’s taken over, turn it into a low maintenance area of ground-hugging foliage and colour. Nothing tall, nothing that I have to replace every year.

There are a couple of old rose bushes which I don’t really care about, the bush at the far right of the picture can stay as will the hedges. The barrel is also staying in place but I’ll probably remove the little bush from it, it needs a sunnier spot. There’s also a sycamore sapling and a baby pampas grass, both of which will be removed. (I can hear them laughing already)

The plan so far is to smother the whole border using cardboard or sheep fleece … and then this is where you good people come in 😉 what the heck do I plant?

This area does not get much direct sunshine. It’ll be great for snowdrops and bluebells but they’re temporary and won’t cover the whole area. All that springs to my mind is micro clover in a mix of colours.

Suggestions please?