I have a perennial bed that is my problem child. Too shady and has issues with roots from birch trees. I have hosta, astilbe, tree peonies and assorted perennials in there now. Nothing (except the astilbe) does really well and it is a weedy mess (it's about 18x15, oval). The good news is it has excellent soil. It gets a little sun in the morning, then dappled the rest of the day. I was thinking of just filling it with vinca, but think fern might be nicer. It isn't wet, but the soil is moisture retentive. If it wasn't for the shade (from birch and hemlock) it would be a great garden. But I have too many that need constant weeding and I want to just fill it with something.

What fern would you recommend? I want one that is, dare I say it, aggressive. I have cinnamon and sensitive growing on my property now, but this spot is too dry for them. What do you think of hay scented, or do you recommend something else? I love ostrich, but again, I think too dry?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.