Front Yard Landscape Ideas With Large Shade Trees

I have a 12x12 area in my front yard that I would like to landscape. There are two large maple trees in this area with exposed roots. I currently have flowers planted and it has become quite a chore keeping it weeded. I would like to maybe plant some shrubs and maybe a pond. Do you have any suggestions or ideas?

ANSWER
If you add some shrubs, they should be drought tolerant because the tree roots are always going to be in competition with them for water...and the trees will win! You might also consider some perennials that take dry conditions. Sedum, Russian Sage and even Lavender would do fine.

By the way, adding a 3" layer of hardwood shredded bark mulch will help tremendously with both weed prevention and water conservation.

It will probably be tough to dig down far enough for a pond in an area where mature trees have a lot of roots. However, why don't you consider a free standing fountain? You could even put a bench nearby to sit and enjoy looking at and hearing the flowing water. Here is a page about them: Bird Bath Fountains