I love English cottage type gardens but I have a couple of huge pine trees that are taking up a lot of room in our backyard. The bottom branches have been cut leaving a clearance of about 5-6 ft. It's very shady most of the day, as it's right by the fence, blocking the morning sun, while a row of cedar trees on the side block the afternoon sun. Is there any chance I can still put some sort of free flowing English cottage type plants under the trees?

Yes, you can. We have nearly complete shade in our yard, yet ivy grows quite prolifically. It was already established when we moved in in 1990 so I can't tell you exactly what the variety is, but I'm sure a good nurseryman can help with that.

I have a friend who had problems growing things under a huge maple. I suggested cranesbill (creeping geranium) and they grew very well ... and they have the added benefit of pink flowers. Worth a try.

I have much the same situation. I also have cranesbill, lots of hosta, bergenia (sp?)and trillium. I suspect lily of the valley would be good too. My creeping Jenny is doing well also, and it is a beautiful, bright yellow. You might also try periwinkle.