| Hi, Just for grins here's what I've got wandering around my house (please note I'm a cottage style gardener so it's all pretty haphazard): North side:
Columbine (common blue and common white) scattered througout for spring color nice leaves throughout
japanese azalea 2 bracketing the front steps spring color
various hosta interplanted throughout leaves and summer bloom
bleeding heart scattered througout spring color
english bluebells scattered throughout summer color
sweet william scattered throughout early summer color
coral bells (heuchera) leaves for texture and color
aruncus (goatsbeard) both white and red varieties nice leaves and long summer bloom time
on the corners where I get a bit of sun I have cosmos and coreopsis for summer color East side:
bearded iris (big clumps on either end of the house) spring color and nice vertical leaves
sweet william (scattered throughout) early summer color
salvia (perennial and annual) early to late summer color
false indigo (tallish so it's behind the others spring color and nice vertial plant
perennial sunflower (it's tall so it's in the back next to the false indigo) summer color
virginia bluebells (scattered throughout since they reseed pretty easily) summer color South side: Peonies about 5 or 6 as foundation planting great spring color and nice green throughout
perennial sunflower planted between the peonies for summer color
hollyhocks kinda toward the back behind the peonies for summer color and height
coreopsis for summer color
portulaca as a flowering ground cover
salvia (annual)
various lilies
spring bulbs, tulips, hyacith, daffs, etc.
a couple rose of sharon for late summer bloom and structure
mini dahlias for very late summer color (thirsty little suckers) West side:
veggie garden As you may be able to tell I don't have much in the way of woody shrubs around my house. I keep meaning to put some in but then I see what I've got and hate to rip things out to make room. One of the best ways to get ideas and a plant list is to wander your neighborhood and find gardens that catch your eye. If you are in a newer home visit a more established neighborhood in your area. Make a note of the addresses and go back on the weekend. Very likely you'll see someone working in their yard. Compliment them on their skill and ask them if you can get some advice. Most gardeners are more than happy to talk about their gardens. Who knows, some may even offer you plant divisions or seeds if they have any available. Cheers! | 
