The first thing to determine is whether your trees have a lot of surface roots, like maples and birches. It's extremely difficult to get much established under such trees as the network of roots suck all nutrients and moisture out of the ground. It also tends to be very dry and rooty under pines. the second thing to determine is how deep/dark the shade is in various places. Deep, dry shade is very limiting. Dappled shade under deep rooted trees allows for MUCH greater choices.

But that said, there are an enormous number of plants that like shade, and some research and perhaps thoughtful thinning and limbing up could give you a gorgeous shade garden.

Agree completely. Also your zone and rough location would be helpful too.

I'm in the Detroit MI area...6a

I am a fan of pathways through a garden and of Hostas and Heucheras. There are so many plants that could work for you and on a budget I often recommend large plants. You get a lot of bang for your buck. An example, if you like Hostas my H. 'Blue Angel' is now 8'5" across. That is a lot of area covered for a small initial investment. Mine is mature but after 3 yrs. it might take up 4' of space. I like to put a few large plants to anchor the space. I am adding a link to a thread that was fairly recent in the Hosta Forum. Favorite Companion Plants

If you like, take a look at the link and let us know what appeals to you.

I agree with the above statements. Just adding a little more.

Start with one or two beds first. Probably closest to the house. By starting small it will give you a chance to see what type soil, sun and energy you have for gardening.

Many plants will work in this area....depending on soil and sun will determine what to plant.

A few of my favs for partial shade are Hostas...many, many types to choose. Know the variegated types do best in dappled sun/partial sun. The solid leafy types do best in full sun. Impatiens (an annual) is a great companion plant to go with them. They bloom all summer and require very little care also. I plant the white blooming impatiens as the white blooms accent the variegated Hosta foliage.

I know you're not a fan of Heuchera.....but they are another favorite for partial sun is . The purple foliage type looks great all summer long. Impatiens go very well as companion planting for me.

Deep shade plant ferns. Many types to choose.

Plant bulbs....mass plant them in the fall for an awesome spring show. |They do great cause of the deciduous trees don;t usually leaf out in spring before they bloom. Some favorites are daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, and tulips....the first three are very fragrant and are a nice blessing next to walkways and the house.

You need to do a little research on this site and other sites. Take notes, and read as much as you can.

Be aware, that gardening can be addicting....but so rewarding.

Just wanted to add.....gravel pathways. I am not a fan. IMHO they are a lot of work....hard to keep weed seeds from germinating....even harder to remove weeds from them.

I prefer pavers....or a mulch pathway.

Here's what I would do- I would plan the area all at one go. I'd make a scale drawing of it and design some large curvy beds to enclose all of the trees, and allow the areas outside those beds to determine the paths. I'd mark how the light moves through the area. Then I would choose my focal points by standing at the curb where one might enter the area and also by looking out any windows that open to it- you want pleasing views. I'd use some small understory trees like Japanese Maples or smaller Kousas as light dictates, and things like Rhodos or Kalmia as shrubs. Then lots of painted ferns, hostas, and shade perennials like Helleborus or Heuchera to punch it up. A bench here, a birdbath there- a couple of little vignettes are always nice.

Make sure and think clearly about access to water and how it will be provided to the area. Those big trees really suck it up and many people now have watering restrictions or expensive municipal water supplies to consider. Wet shade is easy, dry shade not so much. I enjoy watering by hand and see the expense as justified but many will not, and it's better to figure it out before choosing plants.

You don't have to plant everything at once, but I would get a general idea of where I was going before I set off. Getting the larger things in and going first makes sense to me, and adding the smaller things as time and budget permit.

If you can swing it, have a tree guy come in and trim up any limbs you can do without before you start- it will be far easier now than later after it is planted and the light that provides will serve you well. It's a blank slate and a great project- looks like fun.