i recently purchased a home where the left side of the yard has little to no grass. two large hickory trees dominate the area. i will not cut down the trees but they are trimmed nicely it seems. some sun but not much gets through. the nice weather we've had seems to have gotten some grass beginning to grow but i know as soon as the trees bloom it will probably thin to nothing. I am at a point where i am considering a ground cover rather than a constant "trying to get grass to grow". I like the look of ivy and the concrete driveway would keep it contained on my side(hehe) what kinds are quick to fill in? low growing? and not terribly invasive?

any other suggestions that might grow under hickory trees? it a about 1/4 acre area.