Where are you located? Can you grow plants that need acid soil?

hydranga, hosta, japanese painted fern,you could probably even include daffodil & tulips for some early color.

Morning sun or afternoon sun? Makes a BIG difference. And how deep is the bed front to back? And what is your zone and general geographic location?

Deer? What herbaceous layer is in the woods? You will want to be sure that your garden does not negatively affect the quality of the natural area by introducing invasives you will not be able to control.

We are on Long Island, NY - zone 7 and yes acidic soil is fine - we have ferns and some hydrangea in other parts of the backyard but would like to add more - such as maple leaf and this spot receives morning sun. To clarify. wooded area - not woods, but wish to work with non invasive materials. We will be expanding the bed and there are hemlock (that are coming back but thin due to woolly adelgid - used oil to contain). I would also like some scrubs/perennials that are a bit dense and have the potential for height for extra noise barrier/privacy from neighbors.