If there is an overhang, the ground will be very dry and anything you plant would need at least a little watering. Those hydrangeas will grow to fill that space which looks just fine for a winter garden. You could always move those farther apart and put an evergreen shrub in there if it really bothers you or put a potted evergreen on your porch.

A "service alley" is not at all the same thing as the planting bed(s) immediately adjacent to your front entry. That should look as neat, tidy and well groomed now as it does in midsummer. I'd be inclined to move the hydrangeas elsewhere and replace with evergreen shrubs. Or at the very least, an evergreen groundcover.

Well, excuse me!! The term "service alley" does not conjure up a primary access front walkway, hence my comment. I was not at all being condescending......merely pointing out that front entry plantings should carry a presence (other than dried sticks) through all year long, not just during the growing season. No need to get your knickers in a twist!

btw, the OP clearly stated that these hydrangeas were intentionally planted by her front door.......

Whatever your strip of plants is called, it is absolutely lovely! Is that a type of brunnera with the little blue flowers??

Maybe my only option is some kind of ground cover, afterall. But if I’m not supposed to plant shrubs too close to the house, why are ground covers ok?! Is it because of potential damage from large roots?

Does anyone have suggestions for fast growing, bright shade loving ground covers that will NOT harbour vermin 🙃

The advice not to plant shrubs (ESPECIALLY evergreen shrubs) too close to your house is because it increases moisture on the siding of your house, potentially leading to mold/mildew/rot/paint issues. A groundcover would be less of an issue because it will only be flush to a small, low area of your siding. Having said that, it's impossible to tell based on the photo what we are looking at, from what angle, and what the size/orientation of the stoop is and that would affect whether I view this as a problem or not.

Please tell us your location (nearest big city & state) for plant suggestions. Thanks!

Hello! I am in Norwalk, CT by the water! Zone 7A. Thank you!!!🙏🏻

Maybe a non invasive species of ivy or vinca that you could easily pull back but always have as ground cover? I think in CT some perennials like clumping grass varieties might work? Keep the hydrangeas. So pretty in bloom

Yes, I thought of vinca too as I like the purple flowers! I think I may do that or liriope? It seems to be a good workhorse plant that covers well!

Hydrangeas actually are attractive for much of the year if you leave the dried blooms in place until new growth occurs. These appear to have been removed. You have many groundcover choices but we need some parameters. Native or non? Overall landscape style?

Yes, I like the look of the dried flower heads but the winds and rain this winter knocked them off! And most of the plants were cut short last year by the previous owner but I will keep the flower heads on this winter for sure!

I like native and more of a natural look but as this is the front of the house, I would like it a bit more uniform and tidy (we have an HOA! Lol) I also am nervous about critters nesting in anything too overgrown so am a but stumped about what to plant there!

Please consider a border of river rock along your foundation to keep that area clean and dry - it helps deter termites. Plant the vinca (or ajuga or liriope or ornamental grass) around and in front of the hydrangeas. No more mulch.