Can you give us a few details of what you were wanting to do in the area, what look you want, the height, color, or 'feel' of the area that you are trying to achieve?

I was going to give you a list, but it would be so very long.

What color is your soil? If its pale, either grayish, or tan, that is really nasty stuff. On the other hand, if it the usual med to dark brown, you can plant most anything hardy to your zone. I would then mulch all the plants with compost and then wood chips. In a few years your soil will have improved a great deal.
Pondy