Grass does not do well in shade. As a substitute, consider dwarf mondo grass, Ophiopogon japonicus. You can buy it in 4 inch pots at Home Depot in the groundcover section. Buy the fullest pots you can find and the divide the plant when you take it out of the pot. I planted it at my other house and I probably got 4 divisions out of every pot.

Based on an article in Southern Living, I planted it in straight lines (like a grid) with plants alternating every other row. It filled in and looked very nice.

Try hosta

We are in Northern VA, too, with clay and rocks in the backyard. I have put in hostas, ferns, astilbe. We have a hill that needs planting because it is eroding since I got rid of the bamboo that was here when we moved in 12 years ago. For inspiration, you, your daughter and son-in-law should go to the National Arboretum. They have some fabulous shady areas and the Asian Valley is wonderful. Lots of great ideas. Have fun!

I don't think they have done anything since I was there, LOL, other than move some of the plants that were unhappy. I did suggest the mondo grass and they do have some hostas. She said they will probably buy some liriope. I will probably make another trip up in the early fall, with some more stuff from my yard.

I will definitely suggest they take a field trip to the National Arboretum. Since I live 150 miles away, I haven't gotten back up there yet.

Becky