Re: Plants for Shade under Oak tree!

I've followed all the discussions about shade plantings, but need, I think,
more specific advise!
I have a dense back yard shaded by a huge oak tree!  This tree is so huge,
that the grass around this tree is being replaced by a lot of pretty green
moss!  I've plans to weave stepping stones in and around and just let the mold
go, but it really needs some plantings, especially around the base of the
tree. 
The tree sits about 2 feet from the neighbor's privacy fence, so I was
thinking about using the fence as the back of a raised bed, using concrete
blocks, extending the raised bed about 10-12 feet into my back yard, and then
weaving stepping stones throughout the yard, and letting the moss go wild!  
I hope that over the years' the concrete blocks can be hidden by flowing
plants, or I could 'paint' the exposed areas with yogurt or something to
encourage moss growth, but what can I plant in this raised bed?
Aren't there plants that don't thrive under an oak tree, or am I making more
problems for myself?  
I live in St Louis, Zone 5, and have some problems with clay soil, which the
back yard has plenty of, have not amended the large amount of ground, because,
by digging it up and hauling a lot away, I would be left with a huge mud
puddle!  Not enough sun for grass deed to grow!  I've tried!
By raising a bed (fairly large), I hope to bypass this problem, and let the
moss take over, around the stepping stones, and have a back drop of hosta's
and ferns and some flowering plants under this tree.
Any problems that I need to be aware of planting under this oak tree? 
My sunny side yard, has a large raised bed against the southeast side of the
house, and an area of large containers, until I can raise a bed closer to the
side street. From spring to fall, my side yard is great!  I would like my
backyard to have a 'better look'
What plants would you plant?
  Thanks for all your help! Will be anxiously waiting for suggestions! 
Wanda in St Louis
I would like to 'remake' this back yard, because in the summer, we spend a lot
of time here.
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