What can I do with this holly tree (pics)?

[ilovewelshrarebit123]

I rent and I've been here six months, the garden is small and manageable. My last was out of control!

So this time I'm determined to have a lovely garden to enjoy.

Except there's this monstrosity stuck in the middle. To be fair it gives some privacy from next door but everything is dead underneath as it's permanently in the shade and it's so wide.

What could I put underneath to make it look nice please?

I'm a novice gardener but will have a go! As you can see I get the sun majority of day on my patio.

I'd cut the lower branches so it starts higher up, but retaining your privacy. Then plant some shade loving plants underneath.

Lovely clematis! Is that yours, or does it come from over the fence?

I don't think it's monstrous, actually.

I would just put some pots with shade lovers underneath, after raising the canopy a little as a pp suggested.

What could I put underneath to make it look nice please?

A chainsaw?

Yes the clematis is next doors, it's beautiful and I won't be cutting it back!

Remove some of the lower branches and shape it loosely into a lollipop? Dig a half moon border underneath, dig in organic matter and fill with dry shade loving things?

I had an out of control laurel in front of the house which I've pruned as above. It looks like a giant box ball on a trunk but works, honest.