What a beautiful space. You don't have a lot of planting room, and it looks like it is mostly shade, is that right? I'd find out which of the plants you listed can tolerate shade and start with them, since you clearly like those. Then I would get started loosening up your soil. It looks as if the space has been heavily trafficked, maybe dogs? Have you recently purchased this property? I support the idea of mulching and starting in the spring, but I might take a garden fork to all the planting areas and then cover them with shredded leaves, or better, compost, or both. That will invite worms and micro organisms in to get the soil in shape for growing things.

Martha

I agree, a very inviting space for a garden. Also agree with docmon's advice.

It is quite shaded, though from the trees forward there is partial sun throughout the day. The soil is very clay-y. When I moved in the yard was overgrown with lots of plants that I ripped out (except for the beautiful nandina) so I could grade the yard and install drainage pipes to keep water away from my house. As you can see, I still have to take more soil out (piled around the nandina) and will do so this week. I just adore ferns and hellebores and evergreen vines. All those listed above are supposed to grow in shade but even if i break up the soil and mix it with outdoor potting soil - won't it just get clay-y again by spring? Sorry for being a dunce here, I can assure you these questions are after many months of research - i know a frustration on these forums is people asking without researching!

Do not mix potting soil into your soil! You want compost, humus, organic matter...I am in N.VA with clay as well. It is actually not so bad if you amend well every year. I have let a couple years go by, so my yard is a mess now. Sigh.

I would add bulbs this fall, too. They will be below your perennials and the hostas etc. will help hide the dying foliage in late spring. I have all the plants you mention plus sweet woodruff (love it as shady evergreen ground cover), dicentra (bleeding heart-disappears when the heat kicks in, but lovely in spring), anemones (bloom in fall), and lots of shade shrubs that bloom (Exochorda is one you don't see much that is lovely). Oakleaf hydrangeas are wonderful, too, but will need to be pruned once they get too large for your space. I have had bad luck with camellias-only one has survived of the six or so I have planted over the years. :-( Azaleas do nicely in part shade, too. Lots of smaller things you can use-brunnera, pulmonaria which is another favorite of mine, Aquilegia (columbine) is delicate and lovely.

I love Japanese painted ferns. For hosta, check out Naylor Creek and Bridgewood Gardens. So many choices. If you want some no-id ferns, email me. I have some that have spread like crazy from one I brought down here from my mother's garden years ago. They get about 12-15 inches high and are easy to pull out if they spread too much. My neighbors love my annual "culling of the ferns-come get some!"

Some narrow space ideas are HERE.

tj