Why not consider a raised bed over the area? You might be able to tend whatever you decide to plant using one of these. I've been researching them lately and am considering making one or having one made from cement blocks next spring. Type "raised garden beds" into you tube or just do a web search. You'll get lots of ideas!

EllieDawn, I would need to make a raised bed 3 ft high and a sitting area on each side. I can't think of an inexpensive way to do this. Longwood Gardens, I live about 5 miles from there, has wonderful raised beds this height. They use wood and brick. Of course, LG, has only the best. EllieDawn, thanks for the idea and if you have any thoughts of how to do this without a lot of start up cost please email me. thanks, Carol

Do you have a Free-Cycle chapter in your area? It just might be someone has some materials they are trying to get rid of. Also, there might be someone on the same site that would dig up and take the Jerusalem artichokes.

Here is a link that might be useful: FreeCycle.org

Also, since Jerusalem artichokes are good for diabetics, possibly a local scout troop would dig them up for you to give to a local food kitchen.

Regarding a replacement, Yellow Archangel would work, but it will gradually spread further.

If you planted a spreading yew over the spot, it would eventually cover it.

If the spot is sunny, a permanent stand of rhubarb would be nice.

If you have grandkids, you could place a couple of covered sandboxes there.

The space might also accommodate a vertical greenhouse.

If nothing else works, maybe you could just place a statuette or birdbath in front of the patch as a focal point and forget about it. Eventually they'll probably crowd each other out of existence.