Hostas are often beset by slugs and snails. To help protect them, place a strip of copper foil around the bed, or apply diatomaceous earth. Hellebores are strikingly attractive shade-loving perennials. All prefer rich soil amended with organic matter. Don't move or divide these plants often, as they are somewhat slow to establish.
Ferns are a natural choice for a woodland setting.
To keep plants looking tidy, remove faded fronds. Trillium, a member of the lily family, blooms in early spring. These perennials die back in mid- to late summer. Its creeping roots make it a perfect companion to azaleas and rhododendrons. Corydalis flexuosa grows in clumps, and its delicate foliage resembles that of the maidenhair fern.