Thanks for sending the photo and yes, small leaf maples do fine in such dense shade. I would also suggest pots of hosta for summer color and if you pick a hosta with a lot of white in the foliage it will help to light up\" this spot. For groundcovers around your container gardens check out the lamiums and the spreading Japanese anemone with late summer and fall blooms held up on tall and elegant stems. Add a shot of spring welcome by planting crocus bulbs in the area this fall. Crocus bloom in late winter and flower even in deep shade. Use that brown fence section as a backdrop for a spectacular foliage plant (Pieris japonica perhaps) or as a support for a vine that will survive the shade. Akebia