MAKE AN ESPALIER

Pear trees grow naturally into upright, spreading, medium-sized specimens, but you generally need another in your neighbourhood for cross pollination to ensure fruit. If your space is restricted, pears respond really well to being pruned into an espalier.

Grow them against a sunny brick wall but not too close to it so they still have good air circulation. Create a garden room with a pair of pears espaliered against a trellis. Make a short walk more memorable by lining your favourite garden path with a line of pears growing along wire.

TIPS

Choose your espalier paern – fan-shaped, horizontally 2, 3 or 4-tiered, and candelabra are the most popular – and establish the frame before you plant. Buy trees that are 1-2 years old because their limbs are still supple for easy training. Plant 15-20cm away from solid structures.

MORE TIPS

Go to bhg.com.au/how-to-espalier for a step-by-step guide to making your espalier.