Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Espalier, Anyone?

Saturday morning found the kids and I joining Tara and Arabella on a mission to see real live espaliered trees.

What's this strange new word, you may ask?

Well...let's just say that it's going to allow me to grow a mini orchard in our tiny yard. Apple, cherry, apricot, peach, fig, plum...the choices are endless. And I only need a wee bit of space.

In essence, espaliering trees is a way of pruning and shaping a tree (fruit in my case) in a flat, decorative pattern that is both pleasing to the eye as well as space conscience. All you need is a baby tree, wire and sharp pruning shears.

After drooling over Katy's trees, we came home, ready and rarin' to hit the nurseries for our own little trees.

Now to decide which space to use. My first instinct is to place the trees next to the house. Don't worry...I've already thought of the damage a root system could cause a foundation. There are several fruit trees that have shallow or dwarf root systems and would do very well. The problem is sun exposure.

My south facing walls are a haven for tomatoes. All day sun makes for a great growing season, but I'm worried that fruit trees might start to blister and burn one the mercury tops 100.

I have a bit of time to make a decision. And it needs to be a decision that will stick. Chad's not too keen on moving some of the bare root plants we put in the dirt last year. I think he'd strike (as in protest, not physical violence) if I asked him to move trees in a couple years.

So...the garden plans grow and grow and grow and grow...

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