Espalier (ess-PAL-yer) is the practice of controlling plant growth so that it grows relatively flat against a structure such as a wall, fence, or trellis. In the 17th Century, espalier originally referred to the frame or trellis on which the plant was trained. Today, espalier refers to both the plant and the horticultural technique of actually training the plant.
Espaliered plants can be used to create a focal point and as a form of art. In an area where space is limited or where a plant is needed to accent a large blank wall an espaliered plant can be an outstanding landscape feature. A mature espalier plant will catch the eye of almost any visitor to your home. image source This one is a real 'labor of love' isn't it?
3 comments:
Oh, how charming and playful this example of espalier truly is. A good while back in the kitchen yard of George Mason's Gunston Hall an espaliered pear tree that grew against the paled wall surrounding the yard managed to produce fruit each late summer. A delight.
Happy Day, dear Rosemary.
Linda
That is really beautiful! My grandmother could have done something like this - she had such a green thumb. Too bad I didn't inherit that from her!
They were usually done with fruit trees...I want to have one someday.
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