The lattice is on the south side for reference, so other than one 10x5 ft area on the other side of that lattice, the entire "landscape" area is in mostly or complete shade. I'm not super afraid of shade gardening but the soil appears in terribleshape which actually surprising me given the overgrowth when we moved in. You'd expect it would be full of organic material! It is full of saplings and mostly wild violets I think? I've dealt with these before and know hey are difficult to control and get rid of. There are also completely bare areas in the front of the house which make me really wonder about the soil health. Or maybe it is the complete 100% shade?

anyway, what is the best way to go about this. This is a rental so I obviously am not going to pay for labor for anything professional. I also don't want to pay to have completely new soil 6-10 inches down either. Right at this moment I am looking to get mums in and very soon spring bulbs. Maybe a clematis or other flowering vine that tolerates shade. That apple tree is being taken out in the spring (supposedly) becausE it has a fungus and branches keep dying. Why they are leaving it over winter and risking damaging our cars.....any advice/suggestions? I just feel overwhelmed every time I look at it! The tree trunk directly below is a large evergreen btw.