Question: I have visited the home of George Washington and have always been very impressed with the espalier trees in the garden. What fruit trees would be best for attempting to start an espalier orchard?

Answer: The first plants to be espaliered were fruit trees, grown against a sunny wall so that trees would yield early early or could grow marginally warm regions. Today the practice has expanded to include ornamentals, as well as fruit trees. Espaliered plants are usually trained along wires attached to the building. You select a central leader and then allow side branches to grow symmetrically from it. Apple, apricot, cherry, fig, citrus, peach, pear and plum will all produce well when espaliered. Camellia, elaeagnus, holly, juniper, viburnum and honeysuckle are just a few of the ornamentals that adapt well to espaliering. Be sure to choose plants that are hardy to your area, then train them when they're young to establish a framework.