I agree a bed of non-blooming beardeds looks lousy. Since they like to dry out between soakings I try to use drought resistant perrenials: salvia, spring bulbs (they don't like summer water in our clay soil), certain yarrows, Penstemon, lavender, shastas, cat mint, chives, Russian sage, wallflowers and geraniums. Mostly roses for background, trumpet vine and clematis. The beardeds are actually scattered amongst other plants. Reseeding poppies, nigella, nastursium, annual candytuft, oxeye daisy are welcome pop-ups. Very unorganized garden!

I have an nothing but Iris bed...around the border I have day lilies planted. Once my iris are finished blooming they begin to put on their show..

This is a great blog, w/ beautiful pictures by Susanne Holland Spicker on companion planting with Iris. Her blogs are inspirational... There is a part II, as well.. enjoy!
http://theamericanirissociety.blogspot.com/2013/10/tall-bearded-iris-and-companion-plants.html

wow these are all great suggestions! I think I'm also a little discouraged looking at sad cold flower beds after what seems like the longest winter ever! I'll be sure to post a before and after picture of what I do.