Shade beds are beautiful and provide cool oases in the heat of the summer.

 

The dark  foliage of the Heuchera in this garden, off sets the colors of the pink/purple flowers, with the yellow of the day lilies acting like a beacon of sunlight.

 

Foliage can be used to bring light into the shade.  This Hosta looks like a chartreuse flame.  I love it pared with Aquilegia Canandensis.