Add compost and/or composted manure. When I planted last fall, I also threw in some slow acting organic fertilizer, which seemed to do the trick (my new "topsoil" turned out to be about 75% sand, so it needed a boost).

Do you have space to plant shrubs, or are you looking to stay with perennials? Do you want to plant immediately, or can you wait for a month or two? Most of the nurseries will have super sales in the fall, and you can pick up some nice specimens at a good discount.

There are lots of shade-loving shrubs that work in our area - Aucuba, Azaleas and Rhododendrons, Clethra, Euonymus, Enkianthus, Hemlock, Sarcococca, Yew...

Easy to grow perennials - try Hostas, ferns, Cimifuga, Dicentra, Violets...there are so many great choices.

For a lush look right now, you could put in some Hostas and supplement with annuals that like shade, e.g. Fuschia, Sweet Potato Vine, Coleus, Impatiens, Angelonia, Begonias... and you could put in some of the tropical bulbs, like Caladium and Elephant's Ear - you can get them growing in pots now. Go down to Chinatown and pick up some potted Jasmines for that heavenly scent! You have to overwinter them indoors, but well worth it.

You might want to order some spring bulbs, too. Tulips, Narcissus, Crocus, Snowdrops, Scilla... They may not all rebloom, but should flower for you the first year. Really brightens up the dull end of winter.

There's also a shade gardening forum here - they'll have some good advice for you - link below.

Have fun!!!

Best,
Jen

Here is a link that might be useful: Shade gardening forum

I would suggest the same this late in the blaZing hot season - plenty of food. Is it complete shade? If you like Hosta, it is great for starting, because it doubles so quickly. In a few seasons, each plant will be huge. (And they are very easy to divide.) I can also handle some Sun if it is not full-shade. Hosta will dissapear in the winter though, and come up next season. Azaleas are similar, shade and some sun, and really nice flowers early Summer. (And they are really attractive plants even after blooming.)

In the year round evergreen department, my little Spruce trees are always wonderful (and feel fuZZy and nice - not prickly), and I have a few carpet Junipers that do well. As Jen said, Hemlock.

If you like ferns, make sure the ferns are perrenial to this area - the stores DO sell tropical ferns that will just die off in the cold. My Sweet Potato vines are a NYC favorite (they come in light green and chocolate) and you'll see them all over the place, but they are annuals.

Have fun and pick things you like for evergreens and perennials, and just stick in your annuals you like in between!

Here is a link that might be useful: Phill's Deck