Page 29 - Silver Lakes Issue 8_2022

GARDENING

ESPALIER ART

By Elize Malan

spalier refers to the practice of training
trees to grow flat against a wall. It is
Edefined 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 Rome. During the Middle Ages, fruit
trees were espaliered against castle walls paper. With this drawing as a guide, develop After planting, top the fig tree to a height
to provide fruit using very little courtyard the support system needed to train your of 30cm. Healthy side shoots will soon
space. plants as they grow. The support system develop. Tie down the branches as required
can be in the form of stringed wire attached and remember to use a proper garden
The tree is trained into a flat, two- to an area of wall or a free-standing trellis. tie tape that stretches and will not cause
dimensional form. It consists of a central damage to the plant.
stem and a number of paired horizontal With the support system in place, dig holes
branches. In agriculture, grapes, apple trees at least 15cm away from the wall for the Pinch the growing tips on the side shoots
and pear trees are trained with similar plants. Remove branches that do not fit when the required size is achieved. Figs
techniques to maximise the use of sunlight in with your design after planting. Secure are formed on new stem growth each year
and space. remaining branches to the wire using plant and a small tree will bear fruit within one
ties or string. season.
Formal espalier patterns include V-shaped,
Belgian fence and Horizontal T, but modern Although ivy plants attach themselves to Espaliered plants do require some patience
designs can be any shape and trees, fruit supports by producing aerial roots along and perseverance, but the results are well
trees, woody shrubs and even vines are the stems, they will need to be tied to worth the effort.
suitable for you to use. prevent wind damage and to keep the
shape you require.
At present, most espalier art is done Tel: 012 804 1807
with woody vines such as creeping fig, It will take a few years for your design to Fax: 012 804 0278
ivy, Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star reach the perfect form. Web: www.garden-group.co.za
jasmine) or bougainvillea. The plants grow Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
fast, are easy to train and will adapt very How to espalier a fig tree:
well to the support structure. Due to their pliable branches and fast-
growing nature, fig trees are easy to
How to espalier ivy: espalier. A strong trellis with horizontal
To create your own espalier, choose a wires for attaching branches works very
pattern that appeals to you and draw it on well.

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