In shade - Hostas, but with anti-snail/slug protection, ferns. Heucherellas and/or Tiarellas.

How about alpine plants then fill with grit.

Most alpines need sun, there aren't that many that will tolerate shade.
This website suggests ferns and cassiopes
http://www.gonegardening.com/xq/ASP/group_id.26/article_id.35/referer./qx/gg_shop/article.htm
Cyclamen like shade - I grow them under trees. C. hederifolium flower from end of August - December and have wonderful marbled leaves from November - May, when other things can take over. And Cyclamen coum starts to flower just when the hederifoliums are finishing.
Variegated London Pride (Saxifraga umbrosa variegata) and Saxifraga fortuneii "Blackberry and apple pie" (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/3315788/How-to-grow-Saxifraga-fortunei.html) would cover the gap til the cyclamen popped up again.

Just the answer I was looking for Beattie, though I didn't ask the question. I have a small butler sink on wheels and was thinking of moving it to a shadier position and replanting........thanks.

:-)