Shade agrdens

What sort of soil have you got? Alkaline or acid? If acid, you can grow Azaleas. Pieris, Rhododendrons, Skimmias and Camellias. They all grow in a shady forest-like area. Otherwise, in more neutral soil, Euonymus varieties like shade, too. They tend to grow lower to the ground, or if you have a fence or wall, they will grow upwards against it. Hostas, Ferns, Hellebores, hardy Geraniums and smaller plants like Convallaria, Anemones, Omphalodes will grow in shade. So of course will Bluebells, in dappled shade! Is that enough to be going on with?

Not my question-but I was impressed by your knowledgeable answer!!!

Not sure what zone you are in - but in dark forest areas remember you can use light color hosta, there is a bright lime coleus, caladium and polka dot plant. All grow in shade but add a little brightness and color. If on a budget (aren't we all) remember that caladium will divide the second year, cuttings from coleus expand your first-year planting. If you are starting with smaller shrubs and perennials, maybe use these to "fill in" the first year

Thanks for your replies. I'm in Zone 5B. The soil is very sandy but I plan on adding lots of topsoil. Do you know if all Yews withstand shade?. I need low growing plants as well as some shrubery.