Selected Ground Covers

Understory trees, Gardening in the Shade

maryo, i can't think of any thing. violets post is probably best. I just wanted to tell you how much i enjoyed the pictures on your "page". You have such a restful place to wander. I love it.
vickie

Violets suggestion was like a hit on the head! Of course the extension info is the way to go. I forgot I had all those print outs from university sites. Duh. I'll figure it out. Thanks guys

Maryo - Redbuds are supposed to be good trees to garden under so hopefully the roots won't be greedy like some trees.
Most shrubs don't bloom or fruit as well if they're in too much shade so you might want to try to find something with nice foliage.
Does the area get any morning or evening sun or dappled light through the day at least?
There are some newish variegated forms of abelia available that might stay about the size that you want. I ordered one this year called 'Silver Aniversary' to try but there's also one called 'Golden Anniversary' that has yellowish leaves instead of silver, There's another abelia that has "Canyon" in the name. (can't remember)
There's also a dwarf form of variegated Aucuba if you think that would be hardy there. I've thought about trying it here but it's iffy in zone 6.

Very little direct sunlight ever. I hadn't thought of Abelia. I just bought 7 Rose Creek Abelia for another bed where Knock Out Roses did poorly. Who did you order yours from? I had thought of Acuba too but didn't know there was a dwarf. All I could find locally was Mr. Goldstrike. It said zone 6 on the tag. I doubt it would grow to full potential in that rocky clay. Some day I'll figure out how to post pictures!