Topic: dwarf trees...?

[RosieMcPosie]

ive just re read my tenancy agreement, and im only allowed to plant 'dwarf' tree species... any ideas? would like some fruit/ nuts! please help xx

[Melbourne12]

You won't have a problem with cobnuts, which can be kept to a sensible height.

There are plenty of apple and pear varieties on dwarfing rootstock.  See http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/factsheets/gg25.php or one of the nurseries such as www.blackmoor.co.uk

We haven't planted cherries, but there's a dwarf stock called Gisela 5.  It still grows to 12 feet or so, though, from what I can see.

The only thing to watch is the "bargain" trees sold by some supermarkets which are a bit shy about revealing the rootstock.  Many use commercial rootstocks which are anything but dwarfing!

[Lesley Jay]

Could you train the trees into espaliers or step over trees?

[RosieMcPosie]

i don't know, as im really young and naieve and new to gardening... what are espaliers??

[davholla]

If you want to grow apple trees then you want to grow
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit_tree_propagation#Apple_Rootstocks
either M26 or M9 or M27

http://www.bernwodeplants.co.uk/apples.htm
see links for more details.

[Melbourne12]

i don't know, as im really young and naieve and new to gardening... what are espaliers??

I think that if you're new to gardening, and would like some fruit sooner rather than later, that you're best to stick to traditional "bush" shaped trees, rather than the more complicated forms, although as Lesley Jay says, you can certainly limit the height in this way.

What would your ideal orchard produce, then, R McP?  And are you planting in a garden or on an allotment?

[RosieMcPosie]

hi Melbourne! planting in a brand new allotment! what i'd really really love are some cobnuts and walnuts, cherries, plums, damsons....

bought a blackcurrant bush today, 4.79 down wyvale!! (20% off all soft fruit in their sale!)