Rather than fertilize, I would add composted leaves to the soil, and maybe try to aerate the soil, since it is probably compacted.

How large an area is it?

the space is an elongated diamond shape about 2 car-lengths long and about 12 feet across at the widest part. It would take a truck load of compost to replenish. The ends have been walked on for 5 years, so I hesitate to try to plant anything. I was wondering weather stepping stones would alleviate the compacted soil and would allow me to plant a few things to give it some color.

How about Hostas? Some of the varieties I have will grow in very dry, even dry clay soil, once established.

Now that's a good idea! I actually have some that I could dig that would be decent candidates. Clay is all we have here, so you need spend lots of time on amending. Thanks for the suggestion! Susan

I don't mean to be a stick in the *clay* mud but you might want to reconsider hostas under a cherry tree. I know from first hand experience that the flower petals from the cherry tree will fall and attach like glue to the hosta leaves and look horrendous all season long. Perhaps a smaller leaved plant such as azalea might be a better choice. kt

A large-growing rhododendron might also help to fill that "middle" space, and it would appreciate the cherry tree shade. Forsythia would be nice, too, for a less formal effect, and it would tend to grow faster.

Some of the lower-growing viburnums are very tough plants, and would soon stop the idea of using the middle as a footpath--unless you want to create a little naturalistic path through it, bordered by some woodland plants. ;o)
In that case, I would suggest lots of Lily-of-the Valley, interspersed with things like bluebells (I'm sure the Woodland forum would have many suggestions for that).

You could also consider some of the tall-growing grasses for the sunnier, more walked-on spots, which could soften the symmetrical look produced by the two cherry trees.

If you include some native shrubs and plants, you might be able to create an island paradise for birds, maybe even with a birdbath!

Thanks for the warning about the stuck cherry petals, kt; I think this place might be too dry and hot to really be good for hostas on second thought. I do like the idea of a "path" and have lots of lily of the valley and blue bells to spare. I need to do some research on the viburnum. I really would like to just dig up most of the junipers, but I don't think my back could take it!

Susan - I did similar for our library parking lot. Let me think about it, but in the meantime I have a lot of blue spruce sedum that does fabulous. You can have in in a few weeks when I clean the beds. It covers an 4x4 inch space from a twig in one season and is rock hardy.

Christina

Christina - that sounds like a great idea! Thanks -- let me know when you're ready and I'll send you my contact info.
Susan