growing near privet

Hi im new on here hope someone can help. I would like some ideas about what will grow close to privet thanks

 

How close, is close? How high is the privet? are you planting on the sunny side or the shady side.
But having said that, its always a struggle to establish new plants near a hedge, the hedge takes all the water and nutrient.

 

I have 60 ft privet hedge and, as pete said, little will grow close to it except grass [and briars where do they come from], I grow a few exotic'ish plants in large planters.