this would be for both sides of the pathway.

this area has lots of sun AFTER the first 2 feet of pathway.

Wooly Thyme. You can even walk on it, it won't mind it. Evergreen, easy peasy to grow, and trust me, if I can grow it, anyone can grow it. Oh, and it blooms in summer. Little pink flowers. It would look nice there, I think it is a stepable.

wooly thyme sound like a great idea for the ground.... any ideas about shrubs anyone?

I'd go look at public gardens and nursery displays in the area to see what grabbed me, if I were working on this.

There's a California forum that might have suggestions for you since you haven't gotten any specific plant suggestions here. Since you are in the SF Bay area, I'd suggest going to some of the great nurseries or public gardens in your area as Embothrium suggested. Take a note pad and a camera to record ideas. For instance, Annie's Annuals (which despite the name currently lists 49 shrubs as available and has a lot more on their plant list) is in Richmond and the San Francisco Botanical Garden (formerly known as Strybing Arboretum) is a fantastic place to view plants that enjoy your area.

thank you everyone for your time and good ideas.... (by the way, I love Annie's ) :)

Yeah, I'd suggest a nice ground cover for that whole area. Something maybe no more than 4 to 8 inches tall. It would give you a green feel, without crowding you as you walk the walk.

Maybe something like Delosperma? Do you grow that there? Very drought tolerant. It might be cool to grow several varieties of it (different colors).

I wonder if lavender grows well in your area.

I love both of the last two ideas... I have just come to realize as I go out there and look at it ...trying to imagine... and I do think that ground cover is the thing !!

thanks