What plants are good for a shaded backyard with damp soil?

[JohnTM]

I’ve just moved into a house with a very small, shaded backyard and I’m not sure what to do with it. The previous owner left a few sad-looking hostas, but otherwise it's just patchy moss and damp soil. I’d love to make it feel a bit more inviting without needing full sun.

[GeorgeS]

I just moved into a small shaded yard and the few hostas look tired. the moss and damp soil make it feel moody. i kept the shade plants and tried a lighter mulch bed to catch a bit of light. for color i added ferns and hellebores near the edge and a small creeping lamium along the fence.

[Violet_S]

One thing I did was build a tiny raised bed along the side wall. it drains better there and i filled it with good compost. i planted ferns and hellebores and tucked in lamium for a splash of green.

[Evelyn.W]

I sometimes wonder if the real problem is drainage rather than shade. could that be it?

[IsabellaT]

I set up a small seating nook under the overhang and added a rug with a couple of pots. the space suddenly feels inviting even on the dreariest days and you actually want to sit outside for five minutes.