Would you help me remodel this area?

[SherlockNewHomes]

I moved into this house in April where I posted asking what a plant in my shady border might be as it was abundant. It turns out all that is in there is a mixed hedge, a lot of ivy as ground cover and golden rod.

There are four trees/shrubs set forward away from the border which makes mowing a pain and the grass suffers too. It offers great privacy but it is just so uninspiring with golden rod all over it. Im considering bringing the border out to encompass the trees but my children have taken to playing in one. Does anyone have any inspiring ideas?

I think if you bring the border out constantly dealing with the ivy round your plants would be just as tough as mowing a lawn.

You could bring the border out, give it an edge and put fuck tons of bark chippings underneath so your children can continue playing in the trees?

Hmmm I hadn't considering bark chippings actually. The bed just looks so...wild...and weedy. I left it alone to see what would come up but I'm not thrilled at it. Its the only shade in the garden so I'd like to have a go at actually planting it up with nicer plants but where to start in all of that?!

I'd go with the bark chipping idea. I had a similar situation in my previous garden, the only solution was to work with what you've got. The golden rod looks quite nice against the dark hedge, but just pull out what you don't want before it seeds. Ivy is always difficult to get rid of, so once again it's a case of chop back and control.
Look at low growing shade loving plants that will grow through the bark chipping and not mind the children!
Also what about spring bulbs that will get light when the trees are not in leaf.