Pennsylvania Sedge

We have had success on a slope in full sun with a short native ornamental grass, Carex Woodii, which is highly recommended by the Mt Cuba center. You can leave it long or even mow it. Great color and movement and attractive inflorescences.

There are many native ground covers that will be essentially maintenance free once established. Moss phlox, wild pinks, heart leaf ragwort.

Ivy and rock borders,
maybe a fountain area,
small graveled picnic area with wrought iron table and chairs,
concrete or metal bench, etc.
gazebo. etc.

Instead of groundcover would you consider shrubs and perennials?

Clover

I love the look of pachysandra

Crownvetch is easy too

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I am officially giving up on growing a healthy lawn in my front yard. I've sodded a few times in the last several years, water every night, seed as needed, mow as needed, aerate, etc. and I just can't keep it looking full and healthy. I live in a fairly typical DC rowhouse that is about 20 feet above street level. In other words, my front yard is sloped at almost 45 degrees. I don't know if the sloping is why I can't keep it looking good but I suspect in addition to the crappy soil, full sunlight, plus the birds and squirrels, it's a bad recipe for a lush lawn of grass. The grass in my back yard is doing pretty well except in the spots where our community cats pee

I do put a lot of effort into having nice landscaping so I want to find something green to replace the grass with next year. Any ideas?