Ground Covers in Zone 7/8

[mad_wrestler]

I am doing a job for Mrs. X and need some suggestions. The area to be done is in between two oak trees. The area is 27' X 30'. We will replace the existing pine needles with red double ground mulch. The area is heavily shaded and the soil is red clay. I plan on putting a sitting area with an arbor behind bench, with a bird bath or looking ball for visual stimulus. Also thought a walk path provided by pavers from one side to the other would be nice. Any ideas are appreciated and any thoughts on my idea would be great too.

Thanks

[sheshovel]

Why not leave the needles and mulch over them.The title of your thread is ground cover,but you don't ask about in in the text,what gives?

[mad_wrestler]

Yeah I guess I didn't mention it in the thread. I want to break up the enormity of the area with some ground cover. Up to 24" high that like zones 7/8, shaded areas and like red clay. Thanks

[Guthrie&Co]

dianthus, festucus ovina glauca. those 2 go well together.