What would you do for landscape around this coop?

[NorthChicken]

Here is my little coop on the river. I have started landscaping around it with some plants/flowers, but am not sure what to do about the grass that doesn't seem to be growing. Would you put gravel or stone pavers? Just not sure what to do with it! I think I want some flag stone as a walkway, but DH is worried that is going to be a pain in the butt to mow around.

 

[Folly's place]

Very cute coop! My first priorities are summer shade and winter windbrake; shade trees and/or big shrubs on the south and west, and spruces or something on the north, for winter. Make sure predators can't dig under the walls. Stone pavers at least there. Go with sturdy plants that you like, avoiding toxic species like Japanese yews. Mary