The back 1/2 of my back yard is dirt due to large trees and shade
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Tumbled gravel, mulch. Add stepping stones for interest. Put down landscape fabric first so it does not sink into the ground.
Depends on your location. I transplanted a small amount of ivy from nearby woods....I wanted for erosion control as well as area being almost complete shade. This was free and filled in fairly quickly. Beware, ivy will climb if not controlled! But Perhaps another ground cover like pachysandra?
Pachysandra
You did not mention where you are, Linda. Climate will dictate what you can expect to grow. Your best bet is to consult with someone at your local garden center. They will be able to recommend what will grow in your area and conditions.
I'm in southeast PA and all I had to do was remove the leaf pack that had built up from years of neglect and lots of things started to grow on my shady lot. It is necessary to put in a lot of hours every fall to collect and shred the leaves but they are great in the garden.
Hi Linda,
I have used Sweet William, ivy and pachysandra in various areas of my yard to have something green under trees. There are other plants available depending on where you live. You can start with a few pieces and let them grow. As Edie said, ivy will grow up trees so if you don't want that, don't use ivy. Most ground cover plants will spread so you'll need to watch them over the years or place a barrier in the ground to keep them away from where you don't want them to grow. Click on the link below from Country Living for some other ideas. Wishing you the best.
https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/how-to/g789/ground-cover-flowers-0509/
Shade grass seed
bark... comes in big bags.