Yard Design Idea and Ivy Removal

Question: Hello.  I have approximately 12' X 12' section in the front of my house that I would like to turn into something pleasant to look at, that does not require a lot of back breaking work.  I am an older gardener, and my soil is hard to dig into.
I have ivy growing which I would like to remove.  I pulled quite a bit of it up easily, but there is still a lot firmly rooted.  I currently have a lace cap hydrangea, which fails to bloom 99 percent of the time, and a small bush (can't recall the name) that I am not attached to.  There is also some type of plant that blooms
in the spring with a pretty variegated foliage.
I don't care for chemicals to remove the ivy.  Is there a more organic way to do so?
Any ideas of easy plantings, and soil preparation?  I'm tempted to pitch the hydrangea but am one of those people who can't throw a poinsettia away until it's on it's last leaf.  I also may be open to suggestions for people who do this kind of work, although I understand it can get expensive.  Thank you for your time.  I appreciate it.  P.S.  There's also several large trees in the yard, so the yard is mostly shaded with afternoon sun when it can get through.  One of the trees is right in front of  this section, so it does block some of the view from the street.

responder: Susan LIf you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied September 26, 2024, 11:29 AM EDT
response: Thanks for your interesting question.  I don't see the hydrangea in the picture, but like you, I'd be hesitant to remove it.  I have some that didn't bloom for 4 years and then they did.  Plus, it will survive in your shady garden.  I commend you for not wanting to use chemicals.  Except for the hydrangeas, I was able to locate a only couple variegated spring blooming azalea shrubs: Girard 'The Robe' Azalea, Silver Sword. I wonder if this is what you mentioned in your question.  If it blooms, I'd keep it.  This site discusses them  https://www.rhododendron.org/blog/?view=category&cat_id=6 Azaleas need protection from wind and they also need acidic soil.  There are many perennials which grow well in the shade: hellebores, hostas, ferns which could go around your hydrangea.  This site has shade perennials and shrubs to help you  https://gardening.org/shade-loving-perennials/  Are you planning on planting the new garden in the grassy spot that is visible in the picture?  The ground seems to be  higher than the sidewalk and driveway.  If so, the soil could be dug out or you could put rocks around the edges and build the garden up.  I think building up might be easier.  If you put cardboard over the grass and throw on leaves and manure and compost during the winter, by spring you should have a nice bed to plant.  The cardboard will stop weeds and may even deter the ivy.  This type of bed building is called lasagna planting.  This site explains it https://growingplaces.org/wp-content/uploads/Lasagna-Gardening.pdf  I'm sure you know that usually the taller plants go in the back of a garden or in the middle of a garden that you can view from different spots.  After you choose your shrub and perennials and probably a ground cover (ajuga?), put the pots on the soil and move them around like you'd move furniture inside to see what pleases you the most.    Since I am not a garden designer, I'm attaching this link that describes in detail how to create a shady garden. https://ngb.org/create-the-ultimate-shade-garden/  I hope this helps. Feel free to contact me with any other questions you have.  Sincerely,

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 26, 2024, 6:37 PM EDT
response: On Thu, Sep 26, 2024 at 11:35 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Susan LIf you would like to learn more, please check out these resources.  Replied September 27, 2024, 10:34 AM EDT
response: Hi again,  Now I can see the hydrangea.  This area looks much more manageable than the grass area.   I think the advice will apply to this area.  I see the problem you have with the ivy.  It comes out more easily after a good rain.   The hosta and others if you get more could go in the front of the bed.  Now is a great time to plant perennials. (Plus they're probably on sale now).  But if you condition the soil with compost and manure - no need to add soil, spring would be a great time to plant too.  I wish you the best!

responder: The Question Asker Replied September 27, 2024, 10:49 AM EDT
response: Thank you for your help.  I appreciate it! Best.LorettaOn Fri, Sep 27, 2024 at 10:34 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote: