Ligularia of many varieties would provide some nice flowers and foliage. I particularly like Ligularia Dentata: great leaves and black-eyed susan-like flowers.

It sounds like you have heavy clay soil in a low-lying spot. You might consider a lasagna bed on top of your clay soil. In there, you can plant your hostas, columbine, and most other shade lovers without keeping the feet too wet. Ligularia is another option, but would also do well in the lasagna bed, as they love lots of organic matter.

I am not exactly sure what you mean by a lasagna bed. Is this a raised bed?

Yes, I would just place a lasagna bed on top of the existing soil. I have done that without using any frames to make an "official" raised bed just by stacking up lasagna layers over existing clay soil.

Check the link below.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lasagna Gardening

Hi,

There are lots of natives that would be happy to live in the conditions you describe... virginia bluebells, a number of joe pye weed, many ferns.

I find it easier to work with what I have rather than force it to be something different, but that's me. If you are interested in more suggestions, try the native plants board, or you can email me if you'd like.

Good luck with your project!

Jeanne