I have a similar shady corner of big shrubs, among which there is ivy that's grown into a big proper adult-ivy shrub. I'm forever pulling up ivy around the garden but I have to admit I do love it when it gets to large-shrub proportions - it's just flowered and the the fruits are forming now, it's a very nice thing.
I guess it's a matter of personal taste. I won't remove my ivy shrub, but the endless ivy-pulling-up/out is the price I will always have to pay. Definitely not low-maintenance.
Again, no! I've been experimenting with a similar area and have now settled for evergreen ferns, anemones and spring bulbs. There's also a shade tolerant grass, Hakonechloa, which adds extra interest and texture - you could use this as ground cover amongst your perennials if you don't mind it being deciduous.
Otherwise consider using a thick layer of bark mulch to keep out weeds and provide an attractive background for your other plants. I'd choose a narrow selection to give more impact in that kind of area - less is more!
We watch for when the vinca starts putting out the long shoots and chop it all it hard back then so the long shoots can’t spread and take root. It soon regrows green again and often has a good second flush of flowers, and that way we keep it in its place 😉
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
If the soil is quite dry, I recommend Pachysandra Terminalis as an alternative with a similar look. The plant shouldn't be as out of control as Ivy in dry soils.
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I guess it's a matter of personal taste. I won't remove my ivy shrub, but the endless ivy-pulling-up/out is the price I will always have to pay. Definitely not low-maintenance.
Otherwise consider using a thick layer of bark mulch to keep out weeds and provide an attractive background for your other plants. I'd choose a narrow selection to give more impact in that kind of area - less is more!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.