Campanula muralis (aka C. portenschlagiana AKA [Dalmation bellflower] or Campanula porscharskyana (Serbian bellflower) might work.

wanda

When considering a ground cover the possibility of foot traffic must also be considered. Wanda's suggestion are excellent if foot traffic can be ruled out. Al

I was faced with a similar predicament last year and since have found some interesting shade plants which I am implementing.

Flowering Shade Plants to about 1'

Clivias ( Belgium Kaffir Lily )
Dwarf Canna

The nice thing about Clivias and Canna are that they clump forming a solid zone of coverage.

Taller

Some Species of Azalea ( Partial Shade )
Larger Canna

Non Flowering Shade Plants, but greater than 1'.

Cycads
Cut Leaf Philodendron
Ferns, Tree Ferns

I am using all of the above in various shade scenarios and they do well. Kaffir Lily ( Clivia ) and Tree Ferns get burned leaves in sunlight, so they really do need more to be in shade. Otherwise, Canna, Cut Leaf Philodendrons and Cycads do well in sunlight too. Though, some cycads well get burned leaves in direct sun.

Banana plants do well in shade too, but they really tall.

What about heucheras (sp?)?

Is the area irrigated? How big is the area?

This is an area that is on a neighbors property. The area appearance became our responsibility since we have gated (with the other owners permission) the access to his side of the property to make our building a secure building. Therefore, we can not install irrigation. The area will be hand watered occassionally, not daily. The size of the area we wish to cover is approx. 2-1/2' x 60'. There will be no foot traffic on the plants. Tenants will use our concrete walkway along side the planted area.

Aloha
I would use variegated english ivy.

Ah, dry shade! I am working on this problem at home on a small strip between the house and a fence. I am trying to avoid ivy, though; it had run rampant out there and attached itself to the fence and the house up the the eaves under the previous owner. The only "irrigation" there is roof drip, but then again, I am along the coast, so that's not insignificant.

Low things that grow well and flower have included clivias and huecheras. Some irises are also doing well, but they are a little taller than you mention. Still, though, they grow upright so they don't block the walkway. I will go out later and see if I have missed anything.

I would suggest a couple of succulents that tolerate and in fact prefer shaded conditions, and could probably get by on just once or twice a month irrigation.

Aeonium canariensis subplanum(Aeonium 'Mint Saucer') is the name used by San Marcos Growers Nursery. This gets to 16 inches across, and is quite showy in mass or as accents.

Crassula multicava is a smaller leafed succulent to 12 inches tall with deep green leaves, and blooms with pinkish white flowers in December/January. Very easy to grow, and roots easily from cuttings.

Sedum dendroideum var praeltum has apple green succulent foliage and yellow flowers in spring, and is also quite tolerant of neglect.

Asparagus densiflorus sprengeri compacta is another well behaved succulent type ground cover plant that takes neglect and full shade.

Agapanthus 'Peter Pan' or 'Queen Anne' would also take these conditions.

Myoporum parvifolium 'Dwarf Pink Form' is a low growing spreading groundcover that is dense enough to smother weeds once established, and is also pretty drought tolerant.

Sedum of various types, avoid the deciduous kinds.

Aptenia cordifolia, if you can control it. It grows quickly and spreads rapidly. Little water needed.

Blue Star creeper (Laurentia fluvilatilis).

Carex pansa.

Dwarf mondo grass, variegated mondo grass, regular mondo grass, or a mix of all of them.

I just remembered my poor Lithodora diffusa 'Grace Ward', which is pretty much ignored but continues to spread and bloom for me each year. It's on the north-facing downslope of our built-up creek bed, and it gets virtually no sun. I give it a spray from the hose about once every 3 weeks, and it still loves me. :)

Brenda