Shady Yard

https://birminghamgardeningtoday.com/category/shade-plants/

hostas come in different patterns of color and are very hardy and multiply

You must have some vision of how the finished planter should look. Most, if not all, vegetables planted by home gardeners need to have direct sun at least part of the day so we can rule those out.

Here are some suggested plants for shade from HGTV:

http://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/flowers-and-plants/the-19-best-shade-loving-plants-pictures

hostas come in different patterns of color and are very hardy and multiply

Go down to local Garden Centre or Large DIY and see what they have on offer in your area....

Contact your County Agricultural Extension Co-operative office. They can give you all the information you will need for anything concerning growing things. They're great - it's all they do.

Lots of pretty ground covers will grow in the shade (like phlox, bachelor buttons, candy tuft) -- check the package info. on the seed packets when you purchase them or ask someone from your local garden club or Master Gardener group. Bleeding Hearts in red, pink or white also prefer shade and will come back every year. You can also try some hosta plants (there are many varieties) and choleas, and lambs ear. Look them up on the computer with height, color and variety. Have fun with it.