Are there any water/bog plants that would work? Just an idea. Plants like ligularia, flag iris, primulas, brunnera and ranunculus like moist shade.

try..

http://www.ricecreekgardens.com/water_plants/index.html

http://www.monrovia.com/PlantInf.nsf/269905a1fb059eb48825683c0080938a/bd8dfa9373bd250e88256ae7005a1ca4!OpenDocument

If you are needing ranunculus.....email me, okay?

Brenda

I have Goatsbeard and Bleeding Heart in just such an area - last to thaw in the spring and always shady, but they push thru way before hostas do. I also have a Goatsbeard planted next to a rain barrel, and when the barrel is full and spills over the Goatsbeard gets it all and loves it. I also have Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) in mostly shade and it pops up really early.

To add to the list I have Astilbe, Fleeceflower, Tiarella and Lamium also planted in similar conditions. And like Pudge, I have Fernleaf Bleeding Hearts and Minature Goatsbeard.
I like all of them but the Fleeceflower put on the best show and spreads quite fast.
Shelley