I have an area that I have not been able to grow anything.

It is between two mature maple trees (40' +/- ) with a lot of shallow roots - zone 6 (Long Island). It is well drained, part shady and gets watered every other day, but the maples seems to suck it all up very quickly. I have tried ajuga, lamium, pachysandra, hosta and ferns - none have survived to a second season. Any suggestions what might work? Thanks!, Ken