North-facing does not mean dull. Some of the best foliage plants do better out of direct sun.
- Hostas in pots, where slugs struggle to reach them.
- Ferns: Dryopteris and Polystichum are evergreen and tough.
- Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) lights up a dark corner.
- Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ for big white summer flowers.
- Epimedium and Brunnera for spring flowers under taller plants.
Use pale gravel, light-coloured containers and a mirror or white wall to bounce light around.