Many attractive shrubs are, in their natural state, woodland "understory" plants that actually don't mind growing under trees. Examples would be hydrangeas, rose of sharon, some tree heathers. If you clear about 1 ft around these properly when you plant, dig the hole the right size, put in appropriate nutrients for the shrubs underneath, then you can leave the ivy but have more visual interest. However whether it will work depends on the amount of shade, light and water and aspect (what direction does it face?). If you can bear to post a picture I'll try and give more advice. I'm an RHS-qualified gardener, happy to help for free during C19...