Maybe an Euonymus, I have fortunei silver evergreen and it can be shaped and is low growing. I have it clipped on the path side and fairly free on the other side where it mingles with other plants…perhaps you could have trailing plants on the patio side like a lilac campanula which is evergreen… at least here in South Devon it is.….

You need a focal point at the rear to draw your eye up the garden and away from the steps.

Like Sonia said something creeping over the sides of the steps to soften down the edges and maybe some topiary balls to the top of the steps, one each side. This will give interest all year.

Topiary balls or pyramids interspersed with lavender would look great in summer and winter?

Certainly something creeping or cascading as others have suggested. Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with some beautiful English roses - I always reckon those from David Austin are the best in the business. Colour, fragrance, cut flowers all summer and hips to boot. Lavender in between to give some colour and interest all year.

I bought a climbing rose from David Austins online, and you are right Caldicot Kitchens, it’s the best ever! Quality surpassed other rose growers by miles.