I don't know anything about ponds, but I had a deep shade garden at our last place.

Bleeding hearts did well, along with astilbe, ferns and, of course, hostas. I planted violets too, but some folks dislike their invasive nature.

You might want to also check out the Shade forum:
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/shade/

Good luck!

Not sure of your location but in my experience - the mosquitoes thrive and the fish don't. If there are deciduous trees around - the leaves are pesky. If there are small children about - better not. Littlies can be determined climbers and even a raised pond might not be enough to prevent a mishap or fatality.

How about a water feature, though? A rill, or a 'spring' coming up through rocks?

Ferns, mosses, and the brief but gorgeous woodland spring plants are also possibles.

I actually love gardening in the shade and have far toooo many things I'd love to put in my dark north exposure! Yews ( I love Densiformis...graceful and natural)are wonderful and even more highly colored in shade, Hostas, Phlox Divaricata, Astilbes, Forget Me Nots, Bleeding Hearts, Jacobs Ladder, Lungwort....it's endless. Here's a link....long enuf, lol?
http://www.backyardgardener.com/shade/index2.html

Here is a link that might be useful: shade plants

Try planting Vinca minor 'Gertrude Jekyll'. It's wonderful in shade. It makes a dense evergreen carpet with very tiny leaves and the brightest white flowers, which last a long time