We have a small bed approx 9ft x 3ft at the back of the house. It gets a little morning sun in summer then for the rest of the day (and year) it's in the shadow of the house. It doesn't get too dark but it's not the sunniest of spots.

So what can I grow with a mind for year round interest that will brighten up my view out of my back window?

I have this issue too. Hostas are excellent for shade apparently. I think hollies cope with shade too and thats a year round thing.

Is it wet shade or dry shade?

Are you looking for shrubs or perennials?

Shrubs include Acuba Japonica (spotted laurel - I always have one somewhere in my garden), Skimmia (again got one, think its called Rubella, has red buds in winter that open in spring, is evergreen), Camellia* (again, got one!). Mahonias are good in shade too, evergreen and flower in January (bonus!), used to have one in my old house in shady border, also had pulmonaria.

My Tree and shrub expert lists the following for shade:
Acuba Japonica, Buxus Sempervirens, Camellia species, Elaeagnus, euonymus, fatsia, hypericum calycinum, Lingustrum, Lonicera nitida, Mahonia, osmanthus, pachysandra terminalis, prunus laurocerasus and lusitanica, Rubus species, Skimmia Japonica, Symphoricarpos species, viburnum davidii and vinca species.

*Just remembered, the camellia might not like the early morning sun if its been frosty.

Thanks Yellowrose - know I could count on you :)
I'm thinking of getting a book too... any suggestions?

I have a "quiet patch" which is under trees and therefore shaded. One shrub that absolutely loves it there is a Choisya (Mexican Orange Blossom) I am not sure which variety this one is but it has gorgeous lime green leaves and really lights up the area. Another shrub that does well is a Spirea Bridal Wreath. I also have Astilbe, Holly, ferns and, of all things, a thriving raspberry patch!

Thanks Yellowrose - know I could count on you :)
I'm thinking of getting a book too... any suggestions?

What sort of book??? I think Ive got one of everything! I havent found one book that does everything.

If you can tell me what you want in the book department I can perhaps make a recommendation. I also have a free p&p code for the book people too!

[QUOTE=torin8;1972693]Thanks Yellowrose - know I could count on you :)
I'm thinking of getting a book too... any suggestions?

BETH CHATTO'S WOODLAND GARDEN Shade loving plants for year round interest.
is good if expensive.

Margery Fish, "Gardening in the shade" (or something like that) is apparently
a classic. I found it tedious and not that useful.

Jack Elliot, "The Woodland Garden, a guide to shade loving plants". I didn't think much of this when I bought it. Years later, I keep coming back to it. Its good.

W. George Schmid, "Timber Press Pocket Guide to Shade Perennials". OK, not brilliant.

Timber Press have some new books that I've not seen.

These are the books I've spotten on Amazon: Shade: Planting Solutions for Shady Gardens by Keith Wiley and the Plants for Shade (RHS Practical Guides).

Anyone got these?

Woodbank BETH CHATTO'S WOODLAND GARDEN Shade loving plants for year round interest is £6.97 on Amazon - it's good then?

I use http://www.crocus.co.uk and even if you're not buying anything it gives ideas and you can search by aspect, sun levels, season you name it.

I have toad lilies and lily turf are shade lovers and so are placed on my front - which isn't quite north facing so it does get some sun, just not anywhere near as much as the back.
Foxgloves are good for shade too mine were happy there, and I also put them in a dark corner on the back to brighten it up somewhat :D
Aguilegia like partial shade, so they will probably do ok there too because it's not full shade like under a great oak.
I also have Hosta for the shade and there are some fantastic ferns you could get!

There was a wildflower seed pack on the suttons website that attract birds for shady areas. You could make it your breathing space are?

I use http://www.crocus.co.uk and even if you're not buying anything it gives ideas and you can search by aspect, sun levels, season you name it.

I have toad lilies and lily turf are shade lovers and so are placed on my front - which isn't quite north facing so it does get some sun, just not anywhere near as much as the back.
Foxgloves are good for shade too mine were happy there, and I also put them in a dark corner on the back to brighten it up somewhat :D
Aguilegia like partial shade, so they will probably do ok there too because it's not full shade like under a great oak.
I also have Hosta for the shade and there are some fantastic ferns you could get!

Ooo ta for that site :)
I already have foxgloves in mind and already have a fern and a hosta so far :)

All good suggestions so far - thanks everyone and keep them coming!

Might have to look into this myself... havent got a specialist shady places book! Many of my other books have lists of plants for particular places and Ive noticed some differentiate between moist shade and dry shade. The gardeners question time plant chooser and the other gardeners question time (with Q&A in) is helpful in this respect.