Climbing (?) fruit trees

[Flossbert]

We have an ugly wall (actually a neighboir's garage) at the foot of our garden. I'm considering putting some horizontal wires across it, a couple of feet apart, and planting some fruit trees in largish square pots, with a view to kind of training them up the wall.

I am quite the beginner, and I'm not really sure where I've got this idea from. Is it nuts? (Or apples or pears? Badoom tish!)

Fan apple tree would maybe work?

Would it be ok in pots do you think, Empire? Is this something that people do?

Oh have just googled "fan apple tree" - it certainly looks similar to what I had in mind. Thanks! Any other top tips regarding training, pruning etc? Is this a sensible thing for a time-strapped novice to be doing, or is it like having a bonsai?!

Anyone?

Espalier fruit trees like this

Thanks Katy - that's exactly what I was thinking. I must have seen it somewhere else.

The reason I want it/ them potted is because the wall they'll be next to is structural and I don't want the roots to do any damage. Am I worrying about nothing? Is there another way of keeping the tree small enough that the roots won't lift the floor of the neighbour's garage?

I got a book from my local library which will explain fruit tree growing/training/pruning in great detail, worth a look! It also says what can and. An't be grown in pots too! Worth a look!

I thought (like lolalotta) if you had the right word you could look it up on-line/at the library

If you want something quick I would grow clematis/passion flower at the same time as training your fruit trees. Fruit can be slower growing- but the other two will give you coverage whilst you're waiting for the fruit to take off. You can look for clematis to suit the aspect of your wall, and whether you want to have them potted or not.

Wow - books?! Old school! Ha ha! I don't know why that didn't occur to me - I was at the library getting some cookery books last week and gardening was right next to it. I had to pay a £17 fine but am now free to borrow again!

Good tip about the climbers, une. I am quite impatient so anything that helps me see some results sooner is a good idea, lest I get fed up and lose interest altogether.

I grew peaches in pots against a south facing wall. They did really well. They look fabulous grown in a fan too.