What to grow over tree roots?

The November before last we had a very large overbearing (almost 60') conifer taken down. The area around where the tree had been obviously had nothing growing on it, and the ground was so riddled with the tree's root network that we just decided to leave the baron area for a bit until we worked out what to do. Well, it is now more than a year on and the area still looks a mess.

There is absolutely no chance of digging much of the remaining roots out and the soil layer on top is quite thin. However, the weeds are managing to take root there now, so I was wondering if there was anything more aesthetically pleasing that would grow in these conditions.

Any ideas about how to make a feature of a tree stump would also be appreciated!

 

A raised bed would function OK, as it would not need to make use of the soil underneath that has the tree roots in it. Dunno whether that would suit the area though?

I don't suppose you could have a bonfire on the stump? Probably not dry enough after only one year, but a good bonfire, once the roots are dry enough, would burn the larger roots in-situ.

Other than that renting a JCB for the weekend is good fun - proper Boy's Toys

 

The roots will come out with a pick axe and a bit of persistence, but if you don't want to do that, have a look at plants that don't care, or even benefit from the decaying tree roots.

I see ferns growing among tree roots on my land, and wild honeysuckle too. Primroses seem happy enough with it as well.

 

You could hire a stump grinder (less work than an axe) to tackle the stump and any visible roots that aren't buried too deep.