What general city/state area are you located in?

i am in nc near charlotte-just a bit north of it.

Do you have a height restriction for the shrubs? Wax myrtle is a good choice and generally available. Another idea is 'Chindo' viburnum. Both of these can get up to 20 feet (and still be considered as shrubs). Another choice is one of the sun tolerant Anise shrubs (like Illicium parviflorum). There are also many hollies to choose from.

Don't have any ideas on the groundcover except perhaps one of the clumping grasses like blue fescue (it's not a lawn grass).

really isnt a height restriction for us.if i trimmed those bigger ones could they stay smaller?
thanks for the suggestions i am gonna look up those names for pix.

Hollies or "Emerald" Arborvita for the screen. Florida Jasmine is pretty cascading down a slope and gets about 4 ft. high. Vinca major is a quick growing groundcover...maybe too agressive. Lamiastrum likewize. Mondo and monkey grass is a standby...Mix daylilies with liriope for color.

unfortunately we didnt plant anything yet. we had our dishwasher break and it leaked water ruining the kitchen floor. the floor had to be replaced so my plant budget went to that!! my FIL and husband did nearly finish the deck in the back which means this year i have a more defined area to plant,however!