I'm a laissez-faire gardener (I let them Darwin-out themselves) -- what I have had good luck with:
pansies, petunias, violas ("johnnyjumpups"), sage, spearmint, thyme, coreopsis, cosmos, kinnikinnick, oregon-grape, lilac, redtwig dogwood, holly, cherry, dwarf apple, lupine, dusty miller, parsley, chrysanthemums, redcurrant, elderberry, snowberry, indian-plum, forsythia, japanese quince
about half of those are natives which "volunteered"
also scotch broom, daisies, dandelions, and himalayan blackberry ... those get pulled up ... with luck the chickens will eat the newest seedlings, once they are outside