Sure, but be careful in your selection. You don't want anything too vigorous or too tall. And you'd want something with a different root depth than the display plants, so as not to compete directly.

I never thought about root depth. Thanks for the reminder. I'll have fun researching which CGs to use, now!

Under the maple, epidmedium is probably the best. Once established it competes with the tree roots and dry shade. It is also well behaved. Sweet woodruff is also doing well for me.

Well, "invasive" is a relative term. To me, little is invasive in zone 4. We just don't have a long enough growing season for anything not to be well behaved, imo. I love creeping charlie and jenny. They grow and bloom anywhere I put them. I like plants that I have to divide often...it just means I can dig up more of the lawn and put in another bed!