Beginner Gardening: Plants Among Cedar Trees, 1 by monty69

monty69 wrote:
I have a tiered area between 5 large Cedar trees, which I have made into a rock river garden area. I am having many problems finding plants which will grow in this area. The area is 75% in shade for 70% of the day, but the 30% that gets sun, does get HOT afternoon summer sun from 1:00 to 4:00. I realize the cedar trees take a lot of the water, but I do water often and have put about 4 - 6 " of topsoil over most of the area, mulch and compost. Any suggestions as to what to plant? Grass's, Hostas, geraniums, Daffodil, Tulips, Hibiscus, Cat Mint, and California Lilac all do OK- so far Ivy, morning glory, lilly of the valley, echanacea, lavender, runner bean, sweet pea's, hydrangea, bee balm, forget me not, and a host of others have failed. Help