Espalier is an old-school method of growing plants against a wall in a two-dimensional pattern. The technique was developed in 17th-century France as a way to increase the yield of fruit trees in small garden spaces. Despite its historic horticultural roots, an espalier is actually relatively easy to recreate in your own garden. It’s the perfect way to add vertical visual interest (especially if you have a small garden), since it doesn’t block light and takes up virtually zero land space.
Keep reading for my foolproof tips and fast-growing plant recommendations for creating a simple and superchic espalier garden trellis at home.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
Galvanized wireEye hooks
Wire snips
Measuring tape
Drill and small drill bit
Vines (number of pots dependent on trellis pattern)
Step 1: Picking the Right Plants
The key to success for your espalier is picking the right plant. Choose a spot for your trellis and, most important, take into consideration the climate and the light conditions before buying your plants. Garden centers are great at helping to identify regionally appropriate varieties.If you want instant results (like me), vines are a quick win. Ivy is probably the hardiest option—it’s fast-growing, tolerant of shade and sun, and easy to care for. But just remember, ivy isn’t an ideal option for brick walls, because its aerial roots (roots above ground) can wind their way into cracks.
If you’re looking for a flowering vine, jasmine, bougainvillea, climbing hydrangea, and wisteria are all fast-growing beauties.
Tip: Choosing a mature plant that already has long tendrils will give you a head start.
Step 2: Decide on Your Pattern
Step 3: Space Out Your Pattern and Supports
Once you’ve settled on a pattern, use a measuring tape and a pencil to mark the location for your eye hooks. I used one eye hook at every point where my grid of wires intersected, about 12 in total. The number will vary based on your specific layout. To make screwing in the eye hooks a little easier, drill a shallow hole first.For larger-stem plants like wisteria and hydrangea you will need larger eye hooks that allow the wire to stand 1-2 inches away from the wall or fence. The extra space prevents the vines from becoming bound between the wire and the fence or wall.
Tip: Make sure your drill bit is smaller than the screw end of your eye hooks. This will ensure they are secure.
Step 4: Thread and Secure the Wire
Next, cut lengths of wire a few inches longer than you need, and thread them through the eye hooks. Use the remaining few inches to secure the wire in place by wrapping it back around itself.Step 5: Entwine Your Plant
With your wires in place it’s time to plant! Place your potted plants close to the wall and in a position where it can easily reach the lowest point of your espalier design. For my Belgian trellis pattern, I used six potted vines, placing one beneath each of the low points. If you go with the candelabra’s tree-shape layout you’ll need just a single plant that will grow up and branch out. (That’s one reason it takes the candelabra formation so much longer to mature.) But regardless of your plant choice, you will need to encourage new growth to follow your pattern by gently wrapping it around the wires.Tip: If your plant needs a little extra help staying in place you can use garden ties.
Step 6: Finish with Some Flourish!
And there you have it! An espalier design that’s stylish and easy to maintain (and to pull together at home in no time!). I carved out a little corner for myself next to my trellis with one of my white-painted iron chairs, a garden stool, and a vintage porthole mirror for a tad of cozy and shine. With a little care and (hopefully) lots of sunny summer days, I know this wall will only get more beautiful.See more here
