I have a similar but narrower strip along my house. I decided on perrenials vs. shrubs because I didn't want the eventual pruning. My orientation is a strip running along the east side of my house, shaded by the house next door for much of the day. (It does seem to get enough light for what I plant.) I planted hardy asters against the foundation and day lilies next to those. I do sow annuals (usually nasturtiums and/or zinnias) to add some color and interest. I've been pretty happy with the low-to-no maintenance aspect of it. And now that the day lilies are several years established, they put on white a pretty display.

You cant go wrong with Lillies. They are beautiful and low maintanence. I didn't have a lot of money last year and found a several gardeners on craigs list in my area, I got orange day lillies & planted them around the shed, they are stunning, and I got a great deal!