With the full sun progressing to shade as the say goes, you can plant a POOP LOAD of plants!!! I have to agree with morz that this is an opportunity waiting to happen. Something like this would be so exciting! Some plants that would do well in such soil and sun conditions are... Ligularia Phlox Paniculata Astilbes Aquilegia (Columbines) Ferns Hydrangeas Aconitum (Monkshood) Cimicifuga (Bugbane) Perennial Geraniums Lynchnis Viscaria Splendens (German Catchfly) Eupatoriums both Chocolate and Rugosa HOSTAS! Thalictrums Digitalis (Foxgloves) Filipendula (Meadowsweet) Aruncus Doicus (False Astilbe) Veronicastum Viginicum (Culvert's Root ??) Daylilies All of these are grown in sun to shade conditions that you mention in our gardens. I have discovered that these areas are often underutilized for their WOW factor. I know there is more. Do some research on shrubs too and incorporate them into the picture, maybe a couple of False Cypress evergreens. As I said, what an opportunity! Keep us posted! This is not the best photo, but it is one with such sun to shade as you describe.

I put off for years trying to avoid growing a lawn on a slope and needed something for erosion. I tried wildflower mixes for a few years, but weed and the short span of it really looking good had me change it up. I finally succumbed to (lawn) grass. But I do have some Asiatic Jasmine that is a good groundcover, works in shade and 1/2 day sun. But then you may get neighbors to shoot this down too as it has a growth pattern like English Ivy. I had considered planting various grasses. There are numerous in color and heights. I went with a tiered planter area and lawn to keep the flow going. Question about snakes? Well? I've seen a snake in the wildflowers, in my A.Jasmine and on my freshly cut lawn . . .so not so sure if I would use that for a decision maker.

Contact tree companies. Ask if they will dump their wood chips there. If you see a crew working- stop and ask them. Most companies are happy to dump their wood chips near their work site instead of hauling them to the dump. I prefer oak and pine chips for mulch. Even chipped palms work well as erosion control.

Great suggestions ya'll!! It's funny, there is alot of asian jasmine all around that area ( just on the other side of the fence and along the fence), but none there. I had been thinking about bring in rocks..lol there is a rock terrace already in place close to this area and we have tons of rocks on our property ( tee hee, only I would get excited that we have a boulder in our backyard!) Can't do cactus because of the dogs ( actually had to pull that out of another area of the yard). I still need to get a professional on board to make sure we have it covered, but I would think if I create a rock wall of sorts with plants and then put a french drain in along the base of the house I should be good right?