Problem patch!

[Beckybex]

We've recently cleared an area of ground at the back of our garden to build the kids a treehouse and a new area for the chickens but I'm now left with what to do with the rest of it! We are on the side of the south downs with very chalky flinty soil. Its a woodland site really, with lots of leaf mold, quite shady, sloping and still loads of ivy growing. We've left the nicest mature ish trees. Has anyone got any suggestions!? We haven't got much money. I'm thinking some larger shrubs, maybe rhodedendrons or buddleia and some spring bulbs. Will try to put up a picture later....I really want to get cracking with something before the brambles start to grow back again but I don't know where to start! Thank you grapes...

[Pumpkin Becki]

Think you'll have trouble with Rhodedendrons, chalk is alkaline, and they like acid conditions. I've got a similar situation to you, a woodland area under a sycamore and a horse chestnut. I'm on chalk/flint/clay with no real goodness in the soil at all, so its classed as dry shade. I've opted for ferns, hostas, a creeping dogwood, hardy geraniums, foxgloves, wood anemones, primroses and some wild flower plug plants from Wiggly Wigglers for the bees.

[Beckybex]

I like the fern idea, and good point about the rhodedendrons! Wood anenome's wood be really good too. I like foxgloves too but worry if poisonous for the kids. Thanks for those suggestions.

[Beckybex]

Think I've attached a picture. Not done it before so hope it's worked!

[Pumpkin Becki]

Fantastic, if you can grub up some of that ivy (I had to wage war on mine), it'll be perfect under there. You could have cyclamen and helebores under there for the spring too.

[IgglePiggle]

Don't Holly do well under tree's? Would be good for the birds in winter. Remember your need a male and female through to get berries

[Beckybex]

Holly a great plan! I have sneaky neighbours that sometimes take a shortcut through my garden to the fields beyond to go shooting. That might put them off a bit!