Greg, when the time comes for some ground cover, I really like the evergreen vinca which has nice shiny dark green leaves, and also comes in a variegated form. It blooms in spring with small blue/lavender flowers (or there is a white) and also makes a stunning backdrop for daffs, tulips and other spring flowering bulbs which I'm sure this fall you'll be planting in that area.
You'd probably need to put some stepping stones through there for a dependable pathway although it does take foot traffic pretty well. It gets a little deep eventually for walking through.
I am originally from the Pac. NW and garden at my daughter's in Salt Lake City now, even though I do live in Florida. (where no vinca or daffs or tulips grow).
