New shade garden

Hello there experts!  Maybe you can help me decide what to do about my new plan.
I have shaded lot which has total groundcover of ivy, lots of small trees, 3 old tall trees, ferns, viburnum bushes and is virtually a small wooded lot.  It is 45' wide by 95' deep.  My neighbors love to strip the perimeter of its growt h  and expose the property —that being the north side of house and northwest or back side near my screened porch.  (My property is virtually the only one on street with some privacy left unfortunately. Maybe that's the fascination with my next door neighbors trying to open it up! )

There are giant hemlocks close to back  NW corner of house but are old and the lower branches are gone.  My goal is to keep the northside perimeter thick and maintain privacy.  Short of expensive fencing, I thought of a berm for the lot line, although that would entail alot of work and I'm not sure what would survive with the existing tall trees creating deep shade. I have deferred developing inner lot but now I am anxious to, without waiting to resolve the outer perimeter issues.

Therefore, in the meantime, I want to create a  shade garden in the lot and frankly
don't  know where to start.  What work could I do now and what should wait for spring?  I want to place paths and some showy hostas and other flowering perennials. Do have I have to be careful in my choices?    Any suggestions on what I should try? Additionally, the lots' east side is facing street with tall full hemlock border. I know I should begin with a small area but don't want to make any mistakes.  Your ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Martha
SW NY Zone 5
 

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