Difficult area - what to plant?

[IAteRosemaryConleyForBreakfast]

South-facing but shaded from mid-morning until late afternoon, sloping bank with a thin layer of crappy soil on a rubble foundation.

I'm thinking alpines/rockery, but no idea where to start and what to do.

Any tips from you expert types?

hello

try these suggestions for dry shade

Yes indeed.

Alpines may not like the shade, if it's very deep. This came up on last week's Gardener's Question Time - vinca and mint were suggested. If the bank is very steep and it's hard to reach for pruning or weeding, you need stuff that can just be left to get on with it, in which case mint's invasive nature could even be an asset.

Thanks very much - and what a great website bossykate, thanks for that!