I have an east-facing wall and it is surprising the plants tat thrive with what light they get. A west-facing wall would be even better since the afternoon sun is hotter than the morning sun. Lack of sun in winter is not a problem for deciduous plants and perennials. Experiment, you might be surprised.

So the hot afternoon sun is a plus? That's good:-) Would lack of sun in winter be a problem with evergreens? We have cold winters but not often good snow cover when it's very cold.

Evergreens are not doing much phtosynthesis in the winter, but they will use whatever sun they get. Dwarf evergreens that get buried under snow do not photosynthesize at all. In fact it is recommended that heaths and heathers be protected by pine boughs.

Thanks Walplummer, for the encouragement:-) Can you suggest some specific things that you might try if you were planting a west-facing wall? It's at a walk-out basement entrance and gets a lot of winter wind.