Hi,
You always could try plants in containers in front of the hedge - lots of plants grow in shade. You also wouldn't have to worry about poor soil this way as you can get inexpensive poting soil & pots at a nursery. Hope this helps. :-)
Sandi

How about bishop's weed, aka varigated goutweed. I have it growing under a spruce. Also, perhaps periwinkle..vinca minor. I don't know if they will take real dry soil though.

My sweet woodruff is doing well under a yew hedge.