6 months sun, 6 months shade = semi shade situation ?

owd potter

Probably not.
I built a new patio in the summer and included a new raised planter bed into the design. The idea was to plant it up with a mix of foliage plants for year round interest, being close to the house.
Problem is, the rear of the house is North facing and the house casts shadow over the bed from Sept to mid April then the bed is in full sun through the Summer.
I'm not sure that our preferred semi shade loving foliage plants will thrive here.
How would you plant up this location?
 

Fairygirl

There are plants which are happy with a good bit of each, like some of the grasses, ferns and Phormiums. Some are happy with more sun than they would like if they don't dry out. I think if you make sure there's enough heart in the soil, that will help. 
I have Sedums growing in a north west facing bed, under the front window. They get sun in late afternoon, and at this time of year, they get very little as it sets behind the houses opposite at about 6pm.  Osmanthus would be fine, and Hellebores might if they get a bit of shade now and again.  
Sometimes it's a case of being experimental too. A succession of bulbs with osme perennials would give you a good view in late winter/early spring. Species tulips for example 

the enduring gardener

So it will be shady in the winter when most plants are dormant. I'd choose plants that will thrive in the summer. You could go for some hot colours that will really stand out or perhaps some scented plants like herbs that will also give you something to use in the kitchen. The garden looks great btw.

Obelixx

If you want evergreens, have a look at small euonymus such as  https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/68655/Euonymus-japonicus-Microphyllus-Albovariegatus-(v)/Details and there is a gold variegated form too
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/68656/Euonymus-japonicus-Microphyllus-Aureovariegatus-(v)/Details

A dwarf camellia might be good too if yous oil is acidic and tap water not hard and as long as you keep it watered during July to September when its flowers are forming for next year and plant it where the morning sun won't thaw frozen flower buds too quickly.
This one has perfumed flowers in pale pink which will be more easily visible in a shaded spot - https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/49650/Camellia-Quintessence-(japonica-%25C3%2597-lutchuensis)/Details and this one has dusky red flowers 
 - https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/55486/Camellia-japonica-Bokuhan/Details

This berberis would give you plenty of colour with flowers and then orange berries in autumn so good for wildlife - https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/209418/Berberis-darwinii-Compacta/Details

Daphne pontica would give you perfumed yellow flowers in spring - https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/5339/Daphne-pontica/Details 

Some of the compact forms of variegated ivy would give you a looser, trailing structure and there are things like perennial foxgloves if you want a taller spire of flowers, eg https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/31809/Digitalis-laevigata/Details and https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/194142/Digitalis-parviflora-Milk-Chocolate/Details 

owd potter

Many thanks all for your suggestions.
@Fairygirl, spring bulbs are on my radar for this bed. I have been looking for something white and early flowering and relatively short (200-250mm), was thinking of anemone blanda, or lily of the valley for e.g but all seem to require a semi sun position at least, hence my question on this location. What are 'species' tulips? available in white ?
@theenduringgardener, my reasoning exactly. Would prefer to keep a white + foliage scheme if I can. Thanks for the compliment.
@Obelixx, thanks for these suggestions and links. I like the idea of a Camellia, I have a white one that is crying out to be relocated in a spot where it can be fully admired. Would now be a good time to move this?   
regards,
Owd

Obelixx

Yes, as long as it is really well watered before and after and you can work some compost for ericaceous plants into its new home.   The soil is warm still so its roots should get away well and get it settled in ready for flowering next spring but good watering is essential, as is taking as much rootball as you can. 

Species, aka botanical -  tulips are the originals which haven't been hybridised and will reflower year after year if planted well.  This may suit your colour scheme
https://www.gardenia.net/plant/tulipa-turkestanica-botanical-tulip
 

owd potter

@Obelixx. Brilliant suggestion!! this will work perfectly for me. Many thanks

Fairygirl

Turkestanica are very pretty and should be ok for you @owd potter
Lily of the valley is more than happy with virtually no sun at all, but will also grow in full sun. 
There are lots of daffs which are almost white if you like that. Take a look at Peter Nyssen's site - you'll see plenty. I love the very pale ones, and have quite a lot. The Joan of Arc crocus are also very good - bit taller than the others and a wee bit later. It's particularly good if you have a section you often see from the house. All of those, in with a few ferns or similar, will be bonny to look at 
Some Iberis [candytuft]  along the front would also give you an evergreen to drop over the wall edge. Aubretia would probably be fine too - plenty of colours for those. Alpine phlox and Arabis will also do that. 

Make sure the ground is suitable for your Camellia, and the location. Somewhere it won't get early sun. If they get a frost and then defrost quickly, the flower buds suffer.
Apologies if you already know that 

Obelixx

Thalia is a very good white daff as is Ice Follies.   

Fairygirl

I love Thalia, and Silver Chimes is also very pretty.
I've got Narcissus Lieke, albus plenus odoratus, and Bridal Crown in this year. Cheerfulness is another very good performer, with a nice scent. 

owd potter

Many thanks guys.
Your suggestions are much appreciated.
We garden on a sloping site rising from the back of the house, so I need to keep any plantings in this bed quite low as I do not want to create a green wall which will block out the views to the terraced tiers up the garden from the house.
Just another challenging constraint for this location...
I have added about 100 ice follies at the front this year and am looking forward to a great show, I do not really want to add Daffs at the rear also. I love the turkestanica suggestion, that is definitely going to get a go.
Cheers guys.