Hm, might be a nice spot for an herb garden although I like my herbs near the kitchen. Things like the different colors of sage, rosemary, lavender and thyme spilling over the retaining wall would be easy care, not too deep-rooted, and not mind the morning shade/afternoon sun scenario. That can be very tough on some other plants.
You also can't go wrong with daylilies as long as they get enough sun. Be sure to wander over to the Daylilies forum and check out the fantastic flowers there.
