Pyracantha espalier
Nothing is easier to train into an espalier form than the Fire Thorn (Pyracantha). If you want to get in some practise before launching into espalier apples and pears, then this is a good way to start. An espalier is …
creative pruning
Hard Pruning Lavender
How hard should you prune lavender after it has finished flowering? Lavenders benefit from annual pruning immediately after flowering to help them remain compact, dense and shapely. If you prefer to let them run riot, au naturel, they will become …
How to prune box balls and topiary
▲ The box balls in front have just been clipped, but the large one at the rear waits its turn. For good results you will need really sharp shears, one-handed shears or garden scissors for detail and some kind of …
Espaliered tree person thing and real umbrella trees (!)
Pallant House Restaurant Courtyard, Chichester I spotted these weird sculptures through a gate of Pallant House courtyard in Chichester. It seems to be a variation on the green-man, but this ‘tree person’ has been espaliered! He’s looking a bit worse for …
Read moreEspaliered tree person thing and real umbrella trees (!)
Espalier trained Japanese holly
(Updated July 2016) One of the trained Japanese hollies, with new shade planting at its feet I came across four rather nice Japanese hollies at the garden centre recently. Realising their creative pruning potential I snapped up the lot. Here is one …
Cloud pruned hedges & topiary fun
Out and About in Sussex, England: musings on creative pruning Most of the hedging in my garden is in the formal, rectilinear style, but I really like cloud-pruned hedges too. Here are a couple that are on public display, that I pass on …