manky little space

[redglass]

I have a space at the back of my house about 6 feet by 6 feet. It's nearly as high as the first floor of the house as I'm on a steep hill, but because it's also surrounded by bigger buildings, fences, trees etc it only gets sun in the middle part of the day, if that. RIght now it's growing some bronze fennel and lots of weeds (I let it get out of control while I was doing other stuff). I want to grow something edible there that will come up year after year and won't be plagued with pests. I'm thinking globe artichokes, asparagus, tiny wee fruit tree, raspberry canes, stuff like that. Not jerusalem artichokes as like many folk I can't digest them. What might stand a chance in this small shady plot? The space has already got some containers next to it (on an adjoining flat roof) growing potatoes and beans. In the past I have grown both of these in the manky space - so it does have some growing potential - but I'm after a less work intensive, more long-lasting solution now.

[Thomzo]

Many currant bushes do well in partial shade. Is there anything that a climber could go up? If so you could try blackberries, they're woodland edge plants. Also, what about some early daffs to brighten up the house in spring?

[redglass]

Currants - that sounds like a briliant idea, I'm very partial to them.