Any one of them could thrive on your site. For this reason, the following lists remain generic and don't include specific Latin names, allowing you to discuss your particular situation further with an expert. Periwinkle is a trailing vine that likes a little more sun than ivy. Its small oval leaves grow in pairs opposite each other and it sprouts blue or white flowers in the spring. It spreads by underground runners and prefers fairly nutrient-rich soil.
Ferns work very well in the shade.
There are many types to select from. This area gives you a place to rake leaves to for home use and by the next fall they'll have disappeared into the ground. Earthworms will drag the leaves down to eat them. Worm castings are an excellent source of slow-release nitrogen. There will be no need to aerate this area as the worm's movements will do it for you.