Where is your house? Low maintenance plants depend on the zone. I wouldn't plant in your rock skirt. Ideally you'd put your rock skirt around the house and then planting beds outside of that. The skirt keeps mud and dirt off the house and let's you spray for bugs etc. since your skirt runs right up to the driveway on that side, I think your options for plants would be some large pots or window boxes. I'd paint your foundation the same color as your grout in the brick to help it blend in.

too slippery?

The colour of the exterior will be 1/2 grey friars, roof grey friars and doors shale grey. We have built a new garage which has created a walkway. Any suggestions for paving. Was thinking a blue stone? Will it go with those colours? Also some kind of porch from the front door with steps down to walkway. We have this long garden which I thought we could plant out, but I am clueless!! Any suggestions would be truly wonderful!! What would you do?

Looking to plan me renovation and I would like software that will help including render to 3D. Any suggestions?