Page 34 - Waterfall City Issue 12 2022

Waterfall City Gardening

ESPALIER GARDENING

By Elize Malan

E spalier refers to the practice

of training trees or creepers
to grow flat against 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
Middle Ages, fruit trees were espaliered
against castle walls to provide fruit,
using very little courtyard space.

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

32 Waterfall City Issue 12 2022