Q.I Have a Problem Area Under a Huge Magnolia Tree
The tree is gorgeous, 50+ yrs. old, but nothing will grow under it, too shady. The bare dirt needs something. Is there a type of ground cover I can plant that will grow in a very shady area? I wanted to also put down some flagstone in a walk pattern around it. The area gets very wet in winter and tends to pond up and freeze. I live in New York. Any ideas for an inexpensive, hardy ground cover that will survive northern winters with a lot of snow that will also spread quickly and thrive? Thanks!

I live in Canada and everyone know's how cold our winters get. Under my huge evergreen tree I had the same problem and a real great ground cover that will grow any where is goutweed . I made a octagon frame around my tree with treated landscaping ties added some soil and planted the goutweed, for the first few years I planted annuals to fill in the spaces and now it's full with goutweed, it fixed my problem and looks good too, hope this helps you and good luck