For years I had a real problem area,heavily wooded almost complete shade ,VERY dry poor soil from the trees draining the moisture then erosion.As an experiment I started composting all the leaves in that area and putting large quantities of red wiggler worms to work the leaves.After a year or so I gathered ferns and other native plants I found plentiful in the local woods and added some Hosta and other shade friendly plants now it is a show place.Come fall when all the leaves are spread their they are almost waist deep and I think this is too much nothing will come thru next year but they all push thru and thrive I am so pleased with this spot I used to hate!

Peter