I have found that variegated plants look nice in that type of situation. The following variegated plants would look great:Cornus Kousa 'Wolfeyes', Cornus Alternifolia 'Golden Shadows', Cornus Mas 'Variagata', Zelkova Serrata 'Goshiki', Fagus sylvatica 'Tricolor'. For non variegated plants Stewartia Koreana and Acer Griseum can't be beat for 4 season interest. For evergreen plants american holly (Ilex Opaca) is nice and has red berries if you get e female form but it is slow, Picea orientalis is a great plant. I have one growing in high shade with a few hours of direct sunlight in the summer and it had done well. Canadian hemlock and Chameacyparis Nootkatensis should also do well. One other option would be Southern Magnolia. Brackens Brown Beauty or Poconos should do well. If your in zone 6B you may also look into a southern Magnolia Cultivar called 'Kay Parris' Several Magnolia experts are calling it the nice cultivar available. David

Hmm...I didn't realize veronica & delphiniums would be ok in part-shade. I've had varying experience with columbine - at my parents' house, we had a patch in full sun that thrived. Not just full sun - also getting the reflection off of the house and patio, both light colors. (The only perennials that lasted - my mom isn't much of a gardener.) But at my 1st house, I had some that got so many leafminers that I gave up on them. I tried some here last year, but too far under the eave, and they didn't get enough water. But, I do like the flowers - I may try them again. The geranium spot may be a good place for them, since they are about the same height and general shape. I do have one viola (in my freebie 3 pack) that is doing well near this same area. I'm hoping it will spread. :) Thanks for the ideas!

Hi Vera, I was born in Puyallup, WA. I'm sure you know where that is, but we moved to WI when I was a year old. I've been back there to visit a few times, but mostly to visit relatives in Tacoma. As I can recall, Eastern WA is much different than Western WA......Eastern WA much flatter? Anyway, about the weather here - you can expect anything and everything. Our summers can be extremely hot, in the 90's,or 100's, dry or humid, droughts and flooding, long cool rainy Springs that never seem to end, or so short we seem to go from Winter to summer. (Same for Fall) No matter what the weather is, the Hostas survive. And as Ken mentioned above, plant whatever you want, and if it doesn't do well, move it. Have fun experimenting. I know I will. Julie

check out michael dirr's WOODY PLANTS . he lists just about anything you'd want to choose and his discriptions and comments are right on. you might try hemlock for your evergreen. i have the winter king in my front yard -- about the only place i get sun. I'd suggest it for a sunny spot. Bark exfoliates very nicely after about 10 years. flowers are a fragrant cloud of white after pale pink buds that last 7 to 10 days. scent is a heavy vanilla-ish that can be overwhelming in a warm close area. its similar to milkweed or sweet autumn clematis. leaves are dull yellow in the fall if they make it that far into the season-- they tend to start dropping about the middle of august from somesort of disease (rust), otherwise they start the summer as a deep almost glossy green. Berries stay on the tree until late winter or spring (birds don't eat them until the berries freeze several times) and look really great after christmas. lots of seedlings are a problem as are the thorns(2-3 inches and sharp) all said and done i'd still keep my tree. i takes pruning nicely, with work in the early years it could be shaped artistically. mine has topped out about 30 feet tall by about 18 wide. you could try red bud or a dogwood. or explore japanese maples wich would like a bit of shade. diggerb