Orchard maintenance and design

At Visionary Gardens we specialise in orchard design, planting and maintenance. With an in-depth knowledge of fruiting trees, varieties, planting groups, pruning and maintenance we can offer a full service when it comes to orchard work. Through careful thought and design, we can provide the customer with suggested varieties and their pollinating partners.

The initial preparation is key for a healthy and productive orchard. As with all garden spaces functionality is key so the correct planting space and aspect for sunshine, wind and frost is always considered. Whether you want a couple of very productive fruiting trees or a large orchard planting we can help. As well as designing and planting new orchards we are experienced in maintaining existing ones. This can range from orchards in production to restoration work on old trees to help them fruit again. The value of orchards for biodiversity is incredible especially as they get older and become homes for many species.

Fruit tree shaping and espalier work

Not everyone has the space for large fruit trees in their garden but may have a nice sunny wall of space that can be used for growing trained fruit trees to minimise on space and maximize production.

Training fruit trees and bushes takes a few initial years of careful pruning to create a shape that grows in a restricted way to allow lots of sun to reach ripening fruit, and air to move freely through the tree. These trees can be very productive and require significantly less space than large fruit trees. There are many shapes and styles to consider from espaliers, cordons and fans. This can be dependent on space and how big you wide and tall the trees are desired to grow.