Where are you? It would probably be a good idea for you to check out some samples. Around here, Stonecrop is a good place to start, though just about any large garden is going to have an area of rocky, wooded slope. As for plants, what are you looking for? Mountain Laurel? Wild columbines? William Cullina's books on native plants would probably also be helpful.

You aren't giving us much to go on.

We are located in southern coastal Maine; in Wells, approximately 2 miles from the ocean.

I believe it is zone 5. I will posted a photo asap.

We are interested in both perennials and shrubs.

Thanks

I've found the Massachuses Coastal Landscaping site useful for for landscaping slopes and erosion control. I'd agree wintergreen is a great option and very shade tolerant, but it can be tricky to get established. Eastern Ninebark is tolerant of shade and rocky soil and good for erosion control. There are red leafed varieties like Diablo or you could get the species cheap from the New Hampshire State Nursery. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) maybe? Geranium maculatum? Performed well for me in a shady dry spot with good soil. Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia)? Several kinds of native grass. Northern Sea Oats are attractive, although more borderline on the shade side. I plugged this into a plant finder and got suggestions for White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata
), Bishop's weed and hellebore. (These would probably be the most shade tolerant of my suggestions)

Is it shaded by a building or evergreen, or by a deciduous tree (and thus not shaded in early Spring). How tall are you looking to go?

You should be in zone 5b since you are so close to the ocean. Will wait for the photo to make other plant suggestions.

One resource that may give you ideas would be garden tours. If you take a camera with you, any plants that appeal you can post here or on the Name that Plant forum to get IDed if you can't get an ID while visiting. The Garden Conservancy often has tours in the York, ME area, but not this year. Check their website next spring.

Another place you can visit for inspiration that isn't too far is Bedrock Gardens in Lee, NH. They are open the third weekend of each month in the summer (schedule on the website) and have lots of planted woodland areas as well as more open areas. I think their soil and rockiness will be reasonably similar to yours. The Coastal Maine Botanical Garden may have some ideas as well, and still farther north is the Asticou Azalea Garden.

Will the plantings be under trees, and if so, what types?