Page 16 - IFV Issue Issue 9_2022

Gardening

ESPALIER

GARDENING

BY ELIZE MALAN

spalier refers to the practice
of training trees to grow flat
Eagainst a wall. It is defined as
‘a horticultural art form of careful
pruning and training of a woody plant
as a means of adding a structural focal
point to an area of a garden’.
The technique is ideal for use in
small gardens and can be adapted for
balcony or container gardens. As with
a bonsai, espalier requires the regular
pruning and tying of branches to
create an artwork.
This form of gardening dates back
to ancient Roman times. During the HOW TO ESPALIER IVY HOW TO ESPALIER A FIG TREE
Middle Ages, fruit trees were espaliered To create your own espalier, choose Due to their pliable branches
against castle walls to provide fruit, a pattern that appeals to you and and fast-growing nature, fig trees
using very little courtyard space. draw it on paper. With this drawing as are easy to espalier. A strong trellis
The tree is trained into a flat, two- a guide, develop the support system with horizontal wires for attaching
dimensional form. It consists of a needed to train your plants as they branches works very well.
central stem and a number of paired grow. The support system can be in After planting, top the fig tree to a
horizontal branches. In agriculture, the form of stringed wire attached height of 30cm. Healthy side shoots
grapes, apple trees and pear trees to an area of wall or a free-standing will soon develop. Tie down the
are trained with similar techniques trellis. branches as required and remember
to maximise the use of sunlight and With the support system in place, to use a proper garden tie tape that
space. dig holes at least 15cm away from the stretches and will not cause damage
Formal espalier patterns include wall for the plants. Remove branches to the plant.
V-shaped, Belgian fence and a that do not fit in with your design Pinch the growing tips on the
horizontal T, but modern designs can after planting. Secure the remaining side shoots when the required size
be any shape – and trees, fruit trees, branches to the wire or trellis using is achieved. Figs are formed on
woody shrubs and even vines are plant ties or string. new stem growth each year and a
suitable for you to use. Although ivy plants attach small tree will bear fruit within one
At present, most espalier art is done themselves to supports by producing season.
with woody vines such as creeping fig, aerial roots along the stems, they Espaliered plants do require some
ivy, Star jasmine (Trachelospermum will need to be tied to prevent wind patience and perseverance, but the
jasminoides) or bougainvillea. The damage and to keep the shape you results are well worth the effort.
plants grow fast, are easy to train and require.
will adapt very well to the support It will take a few years for your For more information and gardening
structure. design to reach the perfect form. tips, visit: www.garden-group.co.za

14 • Issue 9 2022 • The Villager