Have you considered Portulaca (Moss Rose)? It is easy to sprout, grows quickly, and low maintenance. Wal Mart actually has seed packets for 20 cents.

Here is a link that might be useful: Images of Portulaca

i would remove the landscape fabric.. before you go any further ...

waste of money..

contrary to mother nature .... interfering with water and air flow ...

and ... most weed seeds are air borne.. so minutes after you put it down ...

ma nature will start blowing seeds on top ... so of what use is it????

i would also double the circle around that tree ...

i am not sure i see the root flare on your tree ... it must be at the soil surface ... find it.. and replant the tree.. if it is below the surface ....

after all that.. plant what makes you happy ... the sky is the limit ...

i would get rid of the plastic circle around the tree also ...

ken

Thanks for the help guys. Love the Moss Rose idea!

Portulaca--moss rose-- needs sun. It might get enough for this year when the tree is small but it won't do well when the tree is bigger and casts more shade.

You could also try petunias or alyssum for this year or any flower that is low growing and does well in part shade. Look on the plant tags in the pots. It will have the mature height and growing conditions on the tag