Garden Tips & Inspiration

Everything about garden design, planting and maintenance

Plant Encyclopedia

Explore 4000+ detailed plant guides with care tips, pruning calendar and winter hardiness.

Espalier with bare lower sides and branches without leaves

What to do if your espalier is losing lower branch foliage?

Your espalier loses lower branches. Why? Insufficient light, drought, wrong training, fungal issues. Learn how to rescue the lower layer and prevent future loss.

8 min

Plum tree trained as espalier against heat-reflecting wall

Planting

How to prune a plum tree as an espalier: complete training guide

Plum tree espalier training and maintenance step-by-step. Learn how to create a controlled, flat shape for small gardens.

8 min

Grapevine trained on wooden espalier fence with ripe grapes

Planting

How to prune grapevines on an espalier fence: guide

Pruning grapevines on an espalier fence requires structure. Learn to build elegant productive forms against wood or metal.

8 min

Young espalier fruit tree with branches in spiral pattern along framework

Planting

How to prune an espalier in the first formative years

Espalier trees form over 3-5 years. Learn how to create tight spirals, candelabras, or U-shapes with patience and annual pruning.

8 min