Perrenials that grows in full sunlight. Perrenials that grow in mostly shade. It takes abuse too cause I mow it along with the grass to keep it from spreading too much. I also have siberian iris with purple flowers in spring. Another one I like is Jacob's Ladder.
Ferns are good for shade.
Hope that helps. Perrenials that grow in mostly shade. I'm not sure what planting zone you are in, but your yard sounds like mine. I had 7 yards of good soil delivered, and after spreading it out, I dug in a bale of peetmoss, and sheep manure. I have been digging in my dirt garden for a few weeks now, as rain has interupted me.