Shade-Plants/Shrubs/Bushes

DH trimmed our majorly overgrown pine tree last weekend. The ground underneath the tree is filled with about a 6" combo of rocks and dirt. Under that is a layer of plastic (I guess to keep the weeds away).
Right now I do not have the time (or money to hire someone) to dig out all these rocks and dirt (would probably fill like 75 contractor bags). But is looks terrible, the rocks are really into the dirt and it's very uneven.

Any suggestions on what I can do to make this space less yucky?

I was thinking container shade-loving plants (the pine tree is huge and still shades the entire area for most of the day) - I can do a ring oround the tree then some other plants spread out or along the pathway ...

Any ideas?

Re: Shade-Plants/Shrubs/Bushes

bumping for weekday crew ...

Re: Shade-Plants/Shrubs/Bushes

Hostas, ferns, pachysandra or ivy (though both can become invasive and I'm not a personal fan). You could put in impatiens this year, though it might be a bit shady even for them. If you get some sunlight in the spot, you can plant spotted dead nettle, which is a new favorite of mine for part-shade ground cover. It's prettier than it sounds, lots of silvery-green leaves, though I hear it becomes invasive in time as well.

Ask at a nursery--they can show you plants and help you chose.

Re: Shade-Plants/Shrubs/Bushes

Ferns would probably be a good plant. They love shade. Ferns come in all different shapes & shades. As for the rocks, I would just try to take out as many as you can and get rid of them. If they are those white rocks, you might be able to put them close to the street and then put them on freecycle for someone to come and get them.