There can be a variety of cover crops and perennials planted around the base of each fruit tree in the orchard. The trees will act as points on a web, and as the cover crops and perennials become established they will send out runners and, ideally, strengthen the web by taking over where the grass and invasives currently are. It'll reduce the need to mow because the soil will be so chemically altered by the perennials and cover crops that it will have no need for blackberries, scotch broom, etc.

That also begs the question of how the fruit trees are patterned right now. In the long run if we are going to add trees it would help to adhere to a web pattern so that, with the companion planting of perennials and the like, it will suffocate the old grass and weeds system.

Attached is an aerial schematic of the orchard with the approximate location of the trees.

https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10002913_275857002584249_1034965948_n.jpg

If anyone knows of companion plants for the trees listed (plum, apple, cherry, prune, pear, golden plum, blueberry, and greengage plum) please post here. If the specific variety is needed, that can be provided.

Testing, testing, one, two, three. Confirming that others can post on this forum