Could you plant hardy lavenders dotted around... and then when they are established, put other plants in between, which would benefit from a little shade from the lavenders ?

Thanks TT... I have two lavenders on either side of the rose down the way about 20 ft... that is an excellent suggestion. definitely something to try. I have a small clump of purple sage in the vicinity too...hmmm... great ideas coming...

Glad that is of help. I have lavenders in very dry areas of my front garden... They have full sun and very little moisture in summer, but they thrive in these conditions, and, as I suggested above, I "cheat" a little, by planting other smaller plants in the shade thrown by these lavenders... Good luck with your planting. I suggest you try several different types of hardy lavender, so that you can work out which is most suitable... :o)

Sounds like a job for ground elder to me, as long as you can keep it contained. There is a variegated form available.

Thymes are good for low growing dry land ground cover.

I have Hicote, TT. was also thinking Santolina...have LImonium, but not sure it's right for the spot either. Thanks Bamboo...will look up variegated ground elder, I have Thymus, and I could be doing divisions right now...think I'll try that too~
Thanks TT, Bamboo and Owdboggy.

Yes, I have a strong smelling plant which thrives in the dry sun near the lavenders.. and I think it is a santolina... I must get round to photographing it and getting a positive ID on GoY ! Lol.

How about some grasses, such as Molinia or Pennisetum

I think I planted santolina a few years ago...it didn't make it thro a winter.....but I could try again...thanks TT.
I have Festuca glauca...it is doing well, and I love the silvery blue...was hoping for something yellow or purple but perhaps your suggestion is the perfect one...clumping grasses come in low growing habits too! the feathery seed heads add a textural element... great thought Volunteer...thanks.

Hardy geraniums could provide the purple. They are tolerant of some shade and make good clumps. For yellow, how about Lysimachia punctata. A very easily grown, spreading perennial. In fact, these two look brilliant together.

Interesting that you suggest Lysimachia, Volunteer! In the back garden, I have two types ...one is deep purple foliage...the other is a dark green with hints of red...both are emigre...they came from the neighbour! will take a clump and put it in the most open spot...see how it fares... another good suggestion, thanks Volunteer. I have tried the hardy geranium in two spots...it's not as lush and healthy as the clump in the part shade...tending to be smaller scale than the other...but still thriving..maybe just take another year to come into it's own.

Be interested to hear how it does - Lysimachia likes damp soil and a bit of shade.

I have found lysimachia to be very vigorous...(garden speak for: don't turn your back on it!) lol.... I've planted one plant very close to the driveway and back from the sidewalk...next to a flourishing clump of Artemisia ludoviciana...it has come up and is a brilliant burgundy red spot next to the silver artemisia... will post a pic for you Bamboo....it's not in the exact spot I'm trying to fill... but still in the sway of the maple..it's dry unless I conscientiously water...so will observe it's progress in this challenging spot... I'm confident it will do just fine. Photos added are of the spot that becomes barren once the spring flush is over....and the single lysimachia doing ok in the moist spring weather...not sure how it will fare when the dry hot summer arrives... and the festuca glauca was an experiment that I think I will expand upon... I like it and it does remain colourful all through the season. I know that this "naturalized" type of garden isn't everyone's cup of tea... but I've been working toward a completely carefree planting for the last 12 years... forgot to mention oregano...it seems happy in the dry hot spot too~ I've just run out of time and I doubt that the next owner of our house will keep it as it is... it will be back to grass, I predict!

I think it looks delightful, just my kind of planting, Lori

thanks, Bamboo.... I hope we can find a buyer who likes it too~