We had 6 large firs removed some time ago and replanted between the stumps, over time, with laburnum, now huge, and 3 camellias, a tinus which has grown slowly. All have thrived. The stumps soon disapeared. Camellias would do well if the soil is acidic.

It is really a matter of soil management. If you want to go to the expense you could have a few samples from around the plot tested to see what the condition is. Far cheaper of course is to firstly test the acidity yourself and see where the soil has gone pHwise from all the years of needles rotting into it. You can buy a cheap pH testing kit at garden centres or on-line. Then, if it does, as we both suspect show as very acid then incorporate some lime or other calcium compound. This will take a while and you should re-test and adjust with lime or peat every couple of months to make sure it is going where you want it. When you have the pH right then, again if you don't want the expense of testing the nutrition, dig in some general fertiliser, especially sulphates of ammonia and potash and plant up. Of course, if you are going to grow acid loving plants then just do the fertiliser bit. I know we would love an area where we could grow blueberries in bulk but think we are both too old to start planting pines and waiting now. :o)