Tuesday 10 December 2013

Backyard Inspiration

Espaliered fruit trees are a great way to grow fruit in small spaces. Trees can be trained to a variety of attractive shapes and grown against a fence or wall, as a free-standing tree or even as a potted plant.

In addition to saving space, espaliered fruit trees have other benefits. These include good light to the fruit (which helps improve development), ease of picking and ease of protecting the tree against frost or birds. It's much easier to net an espaliered tree.

If you are training your tree against a north-facing brick wall, you may be able to grow varieties that would normally require a warmer climate.

Here are some lovely espalier examples:

espaliered apple tree forming part of a fence


espaliered apple


espaliered pear
 

Belgian fence style espalier
 

candelabra style espalier


espaliered fig
 
 
horizontal espalier


espaliered lemon


fan shaped espalier


potted espaliered orange


And how's this for handy picking? Just lean out the window and grab your pear .....

Hallstatt, The Austrian Lakes District


If you are interested in having a go at espaliering fruit trees you'll find plenty of how-to information on the internet - e.g. instructions for espaliering apples can be found here

Maybe you have a spot in your garden for an espaliered fruit tree?


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2 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this inspiring photo collection of espaliered fruit trees... very motivating!

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  2. These are beautiful photos of espaliering. I just started my fruit garden and will reference your photos often, I'm sure. Many thanks!

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