What will grow under and around fruit bushes or trees?

[JoseyJo]

Hi, Our allotment has quite a few mature blackcurrant bushes, and we're planning on planting a few red and white currants this year, as well as some corden or small fruit trees. We're not able to spend a huge amount of time there, so the plan is to have a lot of things which don't need yearly planting/weeding/lots of watering. Does anyone know if any perennial vegetables/herbs/anything else will grow under and around the fruit bushes. I'd like to use as much of the space as possible as we only have half a plot, and I like the idea of a forest-type garden with different levels.
Is this realistic?!
Has anyone tried this?

[skeast]

I've got strawberries or garlic under mine, and some flowers, limanthus mainly.

[JoseyJo]

Thanks for the reply. Are they regular strawberries or alpine? I've read that alpines don't mind shade, but I prefer big juicy strawberries!
Is it wild garlic? (I do like that!)

[skeast]

Both kinds of strawberry, mostly the big ones, and regular garlic, wild garlic is 'contained' to just one raspberry bed. Well nearly.

[JoseyJo]

Great! I have strawberries which need transplanting so I'll definitely try those, and garlic too.

[Green Aura]

Have a look at anything to do with forest gardening, Josyjo. That will give you loads of ideas.

[Pumkinpie]

I have strawberries and flowers too. They seem to do ok.

[123sologne]

You can plant raspberries too. However, there are a couple of but: 1- They may not like to place and die. 2- They may like the place and simply take over... I have planted mine near my blackcurrant and now I need to treat the monster ever growing bushes (I have 2 on either side of the blackcurrant) like weeds. I am constantly pulling little shoots out of the ground and putting the lawnmower at them so they don't expend too much. But hey, the result in fruits is simply wonderful and we gorge on raspberries all through the summer/autumn. Mixed with strawberries, they make the most delightful desert. And with a spot of vanilla ice-cream... Yum!! I always put some in the freezer too and now we are enjoying those fruits in cheesecakes. Even if I have to curb the devils, I have no regrets. :)

[RunnerBean]

Hmm, I was going to suggest chard or lettuce but you said perennial. Is this any good for ideas?

I'm in N Cambs too

[VM]

I too was going to suggest leafy/salady things as they don't mind some shade. The bushes may spread further so might need to think about that when planting perennials.

And waving as well - I come from Cambs and live in South Lincs.