More than just "green filler," hostas can be the stars of shady landscapes. Here is a primer on hostas: A pictorial review of 13 types, some planting ideas, and instructions for dividing hostas.
More: Havens for Hostas
Finally, a hosta that does all the shady, ground-cover things a hosta is supposed to do and has real flowers -- monster blossoms at that, with in-your-face fragrance. Each flower is almost 4 inches long, so overpoweringly double-petaled that they rarely fully open.
More: Hostas
It only takes six different types of plants and a shady border to create this springtime garden plan. Start by planting the bleeding hearts and then add the yellow, daisy-like flowers, the leopardsbane, to give the garden some height.
More: Spring Shade Border
Brighten your home, as well as your garden, with these cut-and-come-back perennial flowers. Yarrow is an amazing perennial that is hardy throughout most of the United States and that can withstand heat, drought, and cold.