Mornin' Flummy, and welcome!
If you have areas that are partial to full shade, consider using hosta. Most are rated to Zone 3. Another option would be fern. There are quite a few varieties rated to zone 5. Check with your local nursery for their recommendations. Also, if you have a 'big box store' such as Lowes or Home Depot, check there. They should only carry items that are rated for your area.
A note about Lowes... SALE RACKS! Lowes doesn't play games in the clearance arena. They have racks for $1, $3, $5 and half-off. They normally get their blooming plants in when they are in bloom. Once the blooms fade, the plants are moved to clearance. Their philosophy is that people want that 'instant gratification' of a plant in bloom. I've lost track of how much I've acquired over the years. For example, last week, I picked up 6 small potted dahlias for $1.00 each. The regular price was $5.00 each. A few years ago, I picked up 40 fern for a $1.00 each. All they needed was water.
