Thank you. One of the areas is under a tree canopy and partly sunny, mostly morning and later afternoon and early evening sun. Sunny enough for Black Eyed Susans Goldstrum and Goldster, Becky Shasta Daisies, Coreopsis, Aster and Echinacea to flower decently enough, but not to their full potential which I see in other areas in the backyard which get more hours of direct sun.
The other areas in the backyard have plentiful direct sun.
I would certainly give Giant Pansies a try. Haven't ever seen them blooming in winter in this area growing up, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't - only that I didn't see people nearby growing them. (Though they have been a staple for us in Northern California in winter).
If we did go with the crocuses, hyacinths and tulips, I'm guessing their green foliage which stays up after won't be noticed much once the perennials are growing up around them.
