Shade garden under heavily rooted deciduous magnolia

Is it true I can just add more topsoil on top of the roots of a deciduous magnolia in order to plant shade loving plants? The only thing that really survives right now are Bears Breech and I would love to add hostas, fushias and ferns. I would love any suggestions. It looks so messy and its at the front door area. Ideas??? It is very heavy shade because of a fence. Thanks all!!!! Shirley

Hi Daltongirl'You might get more responses if ya post this question on the "tree&shrub"forum?Just a thought'
Sometimes,I post on several,myself to find an answer'Sis'

Daltongirl, I have been pondering the same situation myself. I have concluded that I am going to ring the trees with bricks and build up shelves/layering to set in container plants. The second advantage to this is that I can change my plants with the seasons, and the first is obvious, I don't have to deal as heavily with the roots.

"eyes"