On 2009-08-27 00:47:26 +0100, lagagnon said:

We have a 9'x9' bed, dominated by a largish flowering currant bush in
its centre. The bed is mostly in the shade throughout the day, some
sun however sneaks through and the soil is not particularly moist. On
the south side of the bed is a small patch of St. John's Wort, on the
east side some sweet woodruff groundcover. We would like some
recommendations for a few other perennials to plant that can tolerate
shade and being dry. We tried some deer ferns and astilbe but they
didn't like it much.

Any ideas greatly appreciated -- Larry

Try a couple of hardy geraniums and see how they get on. Ann Folkard
and Jolly Bee are good ones, IMO.
--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
Shrubs & perennials. Tender & exotics.
South Devon