Creating a Belgian Fence | Espalier from scratch | The Impatient Gardener

I'm creating a Belgian fence!
Trees used: Malus 'Royal Raindrops'
Posts from the blog:
The plan: www.theimpatie...
Raised bed guide: www.theimpatie...
Garden construction Part 1: www.theimpatie...
Garden construction Part 2: www.theimpatie...
Garden construction Part 3: www.theimpatie...
Espalier: www.theimpatie...
Joe Gardener podcast Biochar discussion: joegardener.co...
Organic Mechanics Biochar Blend: organicmechani...
More espalier information:
The Pruning Book by Lee Reich: amzn.to/2UYF9kr
Espalier Fruit Trees by Karl Pieber: amzn.to/3b1aJUn
Espalier article from Fine Gardening magazine:
www.finegarden...
Diagram: www.growables....
My name is Erin and I love sharing inspiration and information with real-life gardeners. I live and garden in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5.
#belgianfence #espalier #TheImpatientGardener
If you liked this video give it a thumbs up and if you loved it, please subscribe and click the bell so you never miss a new video! Thank you for your support.
🌿Blog: www.theimpatie...
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Port Washington, WI 53074

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I'm creating a Belgian fence! Trees used: Malus 'Royal Raindrops' Posts from the blog: The plan: www.theimpatientgardener.com/new-veg-garden/ Raised bed guide: www.theimpatientgardener.com/raised-bed-guide/ Garden construction Part 1: www.theimpatientgardener.com/making-raised-beds/ Garden construction Part 2: www.theimpatientgardener.com/raised-bed-garden-construction-part-2-from-the-ground-up/ Garden construction Part 3: www.theimpatientgardener.com/raised-bed-sealing/ Espalier: www.theimpatientgardener.com/espalier-everywhere/ Joe Gardener podcast Biochar discussion: joegardener.com/podcast/058-biochar-basics-and-more-digging-deeper-into-the-science-of-soil/ Organic Mechanics Biochar Blend: organicmechanicsoil.com/product/organic-mechanics-biochar-blend/ More espalier information: The Pruning Book by Lee Reich: amzn.to/2UYF9kr Espalier Fruit Trees by Karl Pieber: amzn.to/3b1aJUn Espalier article from Fine Gardening magazine: www.finegardening.com/article/espalier Diagram: www.growables.org/information/espalierbelgianfence.htm My name is Erin and I love sharing inspiration and information with real-life gardeners. I live and garden in southeastern Wisconsin, zone 5. #belgianfence #espalier #TheImpatientGardener If you liked this video give it a thumbs up and if you loved it, please subscribe and click the bell so you never miss a new video! Thank you for your support. 🌿Blog: www.theimpatientgardener.com 🌿Facebook: facebook.com/impatientgardener 🌿Instagram: instagram.com/impatientgardener 📩 [e-mail] Some affiliate links may appear. I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links. Thanks for your support. You can see all my favorite products on my Amazon storefront: Mail to: The Impatient Gardener 125 E. Main St. Port Washington, WI 53074

[@guyjulius8078]

Once the stiff drink was introduced, I knew this was going to be a big one!! I love your passion, and good for you for stepping out of that comfort zone. My partner states that I should probably step back into my comfort zone as our flowerbeds are WAY too busy!! Hahaha

[@j.m.7056]

Hey, just tell your partner it's a cottage garden!

[@lorid.8145]

Anyone else click the like button before even watching??

[@HowsItGrowing]

Lori D. Me! 😂😍

[@greatgardensforall]

Me three! :)

[@katiewagner1]

Same.

[@christinenovack6409]

Yep!

[@WronaworksWondershop]

🙋🏼‍♀️ Always! I also don't understand why anyone would 'dislike' such high-quality content!? I see this on a couple of my favorites and it perplexes me. Scroll on by if it's not your cup of tea or G&T, ya grumpy trolls! 🤨

[@eringeoffrion9159]

I love everything about this! Way to be scared but try anyway. Extremely inspiring! And I’m excited to see how these turn out😁

[@gardening4zone970]

You made me laugh this morning contemplating the tree cut and the gin added even more chuckles...Thank you!

[@lisawalters5482]

Love the drink of courage! My favorite, but 3 of those and I’d be gardening naked. Lol. In all seriousness, I do love your courage. To buy perfectly good trees, get them planted appropriately, then cut them off is almost comical. I’m excited to see their progress. You go girly! 👏🏻💕👏🏻

[@kerrydibiasio3784]

You are too funny! I love the realness of your videos! You got this girl...it will work. ☺️

[@carolynimboden3382]

I saw a Belgian fence in Italy. I was mesmerized. I enjoy how real and normal you are. I can relate to that. Good luck with this project.

[@gracecakes8241]

LOL I’ve never needed a gin and tonic to garden, but it might be the best gardening tip ever, I’m on it!!! ❤️

[@jot4336]

I just saw Laura plant her espalier pear tree and was so happy ro finally find out what this technique of growing trees was as I had seen on an English heritage channel where the garden of an estate had their apple trees growing like this on a vine looking system. I've have been intrigued since. It's a beautiful way to grow fruit! Thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone and I'll be looking forward to your updates.

[@starlakelsey2782]

I know it will work! You are adorable! Love the shot of courage too!

[@pamelalenerville8477]

Erin, I just adore you.....you crackle up and I was squinting at the screen saying " is she making a G&T right now..? What the h*** happened? ...😂 You go girl! I have wanted to do Espalied trees ever since I stated watching Monty Don and the way he uses them as fence. I haven't seen a Belgian fence with trees. I have only see people create that shape with wire and then train vines up them. Cant wait to watch this over time. Thanks for being so dang cool. 💚

[@MargaretUK]

I love your Belgian fence Erin, I'm so happy that it is working out for you 😁 I second you on those clips, I've been using them for years to fix my raspberry canes to trellis and they work a treat 👍🤗

[@Kischme71]

Ahh how nerve racking! Good luck I hope it works. Look forward to seeing how it turns out.

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Oh Erin, how funny, I'm going to need a little courage here, and that's what this gin is for', you had me dying when you said that! I would be going bonkers wondering if I made the right decision on where to prune those trees. With that said, I think your Belgian fence will look spectacular! Have a blessed Easter!

[@MissyPoo81]

My boo, Erin 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I fell in love years ago with espeliar trees and knew I wanted one of my own when I saw it in our girl Laura's (GAns) old townhome tour vid. But girl, for you to SHOW how to do our own starts 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Thanks and cant wait to see this turn out fabulous just like everything else in your garden 🍻

[@beebclark9663]

Drinking and measuring guarantees success. I'll stand by that. 😆 This fence is such a cool concept! I love espalier trees and multi-variety grafts, I am so excited to look into this! Thanks for putting this out there despite your trepidation. You did awesome as always!

[@carmenc4926]

I just learned about Belgian fences and have added it to my next house list. There’s a lot on my “next house” list since we’re currently living in 800sqft on 1/16 acre.

[@jeuler7266]

I’m so excited to see someone do this! I’ve been wanting to do it for years. I did espalier a pair of apples trees several years back, one didn’t survive its first winter, the other is so slow growing that I’ve not tried again. Maybe all I need is a little courage too😉 You have inspired me. Also have been ogling your newish garden area.

[@mollywolly4201]

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! I had to watch this one three times - you always crack me up but pulling out the gin rocked my soul. Kudos to you for tackling such a big scary project that’s clearly a passion. Your channel is what gardening should be.

[@jucjuc314]

I would call this a "horror movie for gardener" 😄I could feel how you feel and understand why you are struggling so much, but at the same time it was funny that this is the real horror for us gardeners 😊👍

[@gardenloveinthemountains]

Love this video! Liquid courage and gardening sometimes work out the best💚

[@Nancy-zk9dj]

You're so brave! Scooting ahead 3 years now to see how it looks! 🧚‍♀️

[@Artemisgrier]

This is wonderful that you are trying this while we ride along. I have a place I’d like to have one...I think. I’ll know better after watching this project

[@currentseas889]

Erin, Thanks so much for sharing this! I have wanted to do this and stepovers forever, but it is really nerve wracking! I understand the need for liquid courage. Thanks for sharing and being honest about the stress. Can’t wait to see the results good or bad. Good luck!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I really want to find a spot for stepovers too.

[@ineseduka1]

I should Google why it's called a Belgian fence. Have lived in Belgium for 14 years and have visited all kinds of gardens but have not seen a single Belgian espalier fence. :D I also did it the easy way and bought ready made espaliers - 2 U cordon apple trees and 2 pear trees. And since last year I'm trying to train a prune tree into a fan espalier. This sort of gardening asks years worth of patience so I'm not surprised that they are expensive. Gardening and G&T - two of my favourite things together!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

I do wonder where that term came from! Yep, ready-made espalier is pretty great.

[@Ash-xx5zd]

This video is so exciting. 7 year series and I'm looking forward to seeing it evolve. And I very much appreciate you discussing your fear which any gardener understands. Aside from filming accuracy, just spending the money for 14 trees is a big commitment. Financially but also a mistake to all those trees. ... 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 glad u went for it!! And grateful for ur transparency. 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️ excited to see how this process unfolds!

[@karentemple5619]

Wow!! So exciting..that first cut was a blinger..thank you Mr. Gin😀 Anxious to watch the progress.

[@rv5723]

Hi Erin! When I clicked on youtube this morning and saw the title of this video I got super excited! I had asked a question about esaplier of Laura at garden answer about this topic, and no response. I have been interested in learning about this for some time as my space is limited. I realized after hearing your description that many of the photos I have seen are the belgian fence type of esaplier. I love the way you explain things and how thorough your explanations are, so I am looking forward to following on this topic. I also felt your discomfort when you hesitated. Thank you for tackling this and allowing us to follow you on your learning journey. I can't wait!

[@rv5723]

@@Seurnn I am still a loyal viewer, but I disliked that from the beginning simply because I am not on a proven winners budget.

[@ineseduka1]

@@Seurnn Well, Laura has a fair number of comments on her videos so I'd say it's totally unrealistic to expect her to respond to each and every one and still get anything done in the garden. Besides - does she actually have espaliers in her garden? Don't seem to remember any so she probably also doesn't have expert knowledge about it.

[@robbinstephensyork8864]

Liquid courage in the garden....fix a little drinkie...or maybe three...get a little shnockered....go wack on some trees.....sounds like a legit plan of action to me!....😂.....✌️💜💋

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Right? Seems perfectly logical. :)

[@HowsItGrowing]

Oh man. I’m excited Erin!! I’m in the car, we are doing a “car train” with the boys to wave hello to their teachers at their houses. I can’t wait to see. I need full attention and will watch soon as I get home.

[@wildflowerwind6941]

Love the Belgian fence look. I would want the instant gratification and I would put all the bamboo on the fence in the exact pattern the trees will be trained on. Then you can see what it will look like.

[@suzanneb5229]

I've never heard of this and can't wait to watch it's progress. I googled and saw how pretty they are. I love your videos especially because you aren't that far from me and we are in the same growing zones and you have a way of explaining things that's easy to understand. Stay safe and keep those videos coming!

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

Oh I think I was holding my breath while you did those cuts. Normally I’m not to concerned about gardening methods but when time and money and long term goals are affected it can be nerve racking. I look forward to seeing how this turns out.

[@dustyacres]

What a great video. Learned quite a lot. Especially about those Asian Jumping Worms. Down the rabbit hole again May have to try a project like this Belgian fence in my yard. Thanks Erin

[@carolrose4784]

How very exciting! And like you it would be frightening to wack off trees! Man oh man...you did it! Can’t wait to see how this turns out! I may have a Belgian fence in my future!

[@marilynruggeberg]

I am guessing this will take several years to complete, but you are young so you will enjoy the fruits of your labor. Today my husband helped me Mulch 2 of my beds. He does the labor and I supervise. One year he and his friends did it while I was at work and needless to say, I lost alot of plants that year. 😁

[@kristinakeane7110]

You are women after my own heart. I wish you were my next door neighbor. I can't wait to see what happens. Such a great idea.💙🐝💙

[@jessi330]

Aww I wish we were garden neighbors. I would have a drink with you and get nervous but also a bit excited.

[@maudegridley395]

G & T with Fever Tree is some fantastic liquid courage! Looking forward to seeing the final result! 🌿🦋🌷

[@Adiera]

Watched the update first and I gotta say that didn't take long at all for some good growth. I bet it'll look great even this fall!

[@mt4399]

"Liquid courage" will always help you finish the job 😉 Love your YT & IG's ❤

[@VickyDowsett]

Thank you for making this video! I planted 3 apple trees earlier this season from Jung Seed that I still haven't worked up the courage to chop. After seeing this I'll pour myself a strong gin and jump right in.

[@krystal6394]

Pruning anything, even tho necessary, scares me to no end!! I'm following along here and I bet it will work out beautifully!! You never know unless you try, right?🌹

[@hayloej]

I'm so excited to see the progress on this!

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Me too!

[@asianangie7209]

Cocktail and gardening!

[@PlowAndPantryHomestead]

That Belgian fence will be so beautiful! Can't wait to see it grow and show.

[@Edu_Kate]

It will be torture for an impatient gardener as it'll probably take decades to train them.

[@mt2766]

Wow, love this project. Have added it to my garden “to do” list...including the gin component, which I think adds to the success factor. Thank you for sharing!

[@danatompson4658]

You had me chuckling throughout your whole video 😆 I don't blame you one bit for needing the gin! I'm excited for updates on this project. It's also really good to see you try this on your own because it would definitely inspire me to try if it works out!

[@NYMusic89563]

Ypur channel is such a gem 💎 you’re so informative and lovely at the same time 😇

[@michellerenshaw3058]

Oh my gosh girl I’m right there with you! Scared to do the wrong thing when it comes to ESPALIER! Last year I bought a really nice 4-in one apple and a 4-in-1 pear with full intention to make an espalier fence! Have yet to cut it and train it! It’s 10:00 am here in Northern Utah, guess I’ll go make a G&T and grab my pruners! 🤣

[@Donamtrx]

😰 that made ME sweat!! I salute your bravery & look forward to seeing it come together. No risk..no reward, right?! That SOUNDS good...but you're a better woman than I. ✌🏻I'm pulling for ya sister!🤞🏻

[@pennyduncan5980]

Can not wait until things get back to normal by seeing Erin wearing her flip flops to garden! Warm weather in the Midwest, Erin impatiently gardening and the pups beside her. Sweet days ahead!

[@lolahiggins9769]

Great information, thanks for being real Erin. Looking forward to updates on this project.

[@staceyhildenbrand4743]

Lol, I totally get it! The fear of doing things wrong makes me research the heck out of something before I can tackle it! My heart was pounding! Monty Don has done it but he makes everything look easy.So glad you tried this. Thanks!

[@CraftyLikeaFox]

I started a Belgian fence with different varieties of apple tree whips a few seasons ago. It's coming along nicely, so have faith! The only thing I did differently was to top the trees with an angled cut to promote water shedding, and dabbed a little tar. I'm sure yours will work fine.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Crafty Like a Fox Great to know! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@rosiemarsh2071]

This is very interesting! Thank you for taking me along:)))))

[@marthagreene8670]

You are very Brave! Best of luck! Can’t wait to see the beautiful results!

[@SweetStuffOnMonarchLane]

You are so brave! And hilarious with that drink!!! That is going to be absolutely gorgeous when it's all grown out! My crabapple loves our sandy soil... those Asian Jumping Worms sound terrifying! I have never heard of those! They sound worse than the Japanese beetles we deal with, yikes! I'll have to do some research on those and pray I never get them!

[@gardengirl6854]

I can't wait. Even if it takes years I'll still be here waiting to see when they are matured .

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Thank you!

[@dw235]

I like this. I'm trying this it too in my backyard. I'm a year ahead of you having planted whips last spring for a belgium fence. I'm attempting this on a t-post wire trellis and using bamboo canes to train the leaders. Like you, I can't see why it won't work. Apples are hardy things. : ) I will be looking forward to your updates.

[@TheImpatientGardener]

Oh great! Let me know how yours progresses. I'll be setting up a bamboo framework soon too for use while all those shoots need training.

[@bluesky7226]

Great courage Erin.

[@christinepops5100]

I have complete confidence in your espalier pruning skills! What I'm a bit nervous about is the mess those crabapples are going to make inside your beautiful potager, not to mention the critters they will attract. I'm making a gin and tonic right now to calm my nerves 😂

[@TheImpatientGardener]

One problem at a time! :)

[@janetschuhl]

Wow this is exciting. Makes me want to try it too.

[@ceridwenscauldron2799]

Wow..bottoms up..I'm excited Erin!!!!

[@gjcinqmars]

You won the internet today with your glass of encouragement! Great video, I so want to do this!

[@junesmart7352]

Espaliered Belgian Fence & Gin!!! Delightful. Look forward to updates on this. It intrigues me and I want to do it also.

[@adrienned2012]

What a cool idea! Can’t wait to see how it turns out 😎

[@renaeboonstra54]

How beautiful!!!

[@saunge72]

Good for you Erin! It’s going to be gorgeous

[@anitahadley2871]

It will work! I can’t wait to see it, grow little trees, grow!

[@pvc9x1]

I just got inspired (even though I might still be lacking the courage) to create a espalier fence with the two peat trees I have just received in the mail. Thank you for making this video!

[@rebeccamasters3943]

I have to admit that I felt a little bit sick when I realized that what you had to do was cut off the tops of all those trees...but I can't wait to see this belgian fence in all it's flowering glory!

[@everafterbookchat]

Haha I'm loving the liquid courage! I've been researching this and it is TOTALLY scary!!

[@toddw6555]

Erin, Thank you so much for making a gardening video that is so real-life and still delivered wonderfully. Good job 👍

[@charlesbale8376]

Interesting, love your garden.

[@kaylabryson1932]

Love the idea of this Belgium fence. But I’m mostly jealous of your lime right now! 😁💚

[@TheImpatientGardener]

It’s the little things, right? 😀

[@suekuly4723]

Enjoyed watching this. I think trees look so cool when they are grown this way. Looking forward to the update for sure 👌🏻

[@acerpalmatum6446]

You read my mind! I've been so fascinated with espalier lately and it's inspiring to see you start your own.

[@katiemccarty764]

1: THANK YOU! I’ve been wanting to do this myself. 2: I was cringing the whole time, you are correct completely nerve wracking. I might need a G&T also. (But so glad you did it, can’t wait to review the process)

[@debk2652]

Love your liquid courage! You can do it!

[@drexel1976]

LOVE YOU/THIS! just found your videos, was searching for espalier pruning care- i have a garden/maintenance client who needs help with an apple tree. your pacing, humor, matter-of-fact down-to-earth style: I FEEL LIKE WE'RE KIN and wish we were neighbors for that gin / tonic!

[@janetleeharrison]

LMAO - gin & tonic before gardening! I like that idea! Agree with others, this will be fun to watch - don't know any other garden channels doing this now. Asian Jumping Worms? Had to stop the video & google them. WOW! Thanks for spreading the awareness - I've got them - dang!

[@Sullivan_Owen]

Organic Mechanic is local to me in Philly, their products are so great! Maybe it's the florist in me but I'm always excited to cut things. Your fence is going to be gorgeous, can't wait to follow the progress!

[@katharineodlum1819]

THANK YOU for being vulnerable and taking us along with you on your journey. I had never heard of a Belgian fence before but oh my how I love the idea! It just seems so whimsical. We are right there with you on the learning journey! Thank you for sharing, and I am so excited to see how this project turns out :)

[@paulag.panzermd8239]

Supporting your bravery! Happy to watch along - with no guarantee on the outcome.

[@ninawill8053]

Love the idea of Belgian fence,and getting into something we never did before can be intimidating at time but at the same time that's part of fun in having your own garden and trying things out.If it is success it's great and if something doesn't go as planed it's a learning experience so in my book it's a win win situation.

[@lauraparker108]

You are fantastic! I love this adventure you are going on and I’m excited to see how it goes. Thanks for experimenting with us!

[@HowsItGrowing]

Fantastic. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this. And I give you mad props for starting from scratch. Watching this process unfold and seeing it change over time makes me so happy. Exciting! That drink, well deserved. I was literally scared for you. I could feel it.

[@CamilleDeRosso]

That is going to be beautiful when mature!

[@laurafrye8635]

Oh wow Erin! I have been really thinking about trying espalier fruit trees in my yard but I am nervous! I look forward to watching this progress. Thanks for sharing!

[@imahappygal1]

Brave! I bet it will do very well. Thanks for sharing it!😁

[@triciahalsey7061]

Oh, I've been thinking of doing a Belgian fence, too! It's my favorite espalier shape. I can appreciate how nerve wracking those first cuts are! Thank you for sharing and I can't wait to see all the updates and progress on this lovely addition! Cheers!

[@janejohnson6411]

I was starting to sweat for a few minutes there before you started cutting, I can't wait to see updates on this process.

[@brookesusanne8390]

I just began researching this type of fruit tree growing, so I am REALLY excited to see you begin this process! It is always super helpful to see it from the beginning. Thank you, and happy, healthy growing!

[@jstallings2070]

Belgium fences are beautiful! I will be here watching you train them for as long as it takes! You are so funny, pouring yourself a GT to perform tree surgery! 😀

[@Lanaross31981]

You are hilarious. I feel bad that you were so scared. I think I would of been too. ❤️🤞

[@deananderson2143]

It could be terrible and I still hit the like button so soothing

[@saschacat]

Love it. It will look stunning...in a few years.

[@AJsGreenThumbLLC]

Love the infusion of Gin for courage!! LMAO I don't feel so bad at spiking my tea before a daring gardening session! Good luck with the Belgian Fence!