Grow Your Own Magazine

smallblueplanet · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 04:32 PM

Whilst googling (I blame LJ!) for currants & raspberries I came across a way of keeping small (rootstock-wise) plum trees small in height. A technique called festooning which involves tieing down the trees branches to make a kind of 'weeping-shaped' tree.

Has anyone done this or any info on the best way to do it?

Mrs Dobby · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 07:54 PM

There was a bit of info about this in the recently repeated Victorian Kitchen Garden, looked very interesting, but I cant remember exactly what was used, apart from the fact that the ties were tied to a circular metal rod which was placed in the ground surrounding the tree. I'm sure someone with a better memory or the DVD will be able to give a bit more info!

Snadger · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 08:15 PM

I believe these days you can just use clip on weights (looks like a weight on a clothes peg!)

Earthbabe · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 08:21 PM

I saw something in a prog recently. Looks lovely. Very pretty in bloom I remember.

smallblueplanet · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 08:25 PM

And do you remember anything but how pretty it looked?

Although that is very encouraging!

JennieAtkinson · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 08:33 PM

Even I remember seeing it on a programme recently, but which one? Perhaps if we all have a brainstorm ........ ? Seriously, I remember thinking that the old way was quite laborious, but the new pegs system looked very ingenious and something quite easily achieved.

It must have been the Victorian Kitchen Garden.

pigletwillie · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 08:35 PM

I have done it to a plum tree. I have just tied a string to the end of the branch and than tied this to the trees post after pulling the branch down. It causes much better bud break and fruiting spurs and reduces the growing vigour of the tree as a bonus.

smallblueplanet · #8 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 08:39 PM

Oh I just knew either pw or supersprout would have 'the knowledge'! Got any piccies pw?

Do you mean tie the branches to the tree's stake? What did you tie them with? Geoff Hamilton suggests tieing the branches to its trunk with soft string in summer?

ps what is 'bud break and fruiting spurs'

pigletwillie · #9 (**permalink**) 11-02-2007, 10:10 PM

I will post some up in the next few days SBP, I did it just like Geof Hamilton with soft string as the weighs let the branches waft about a bit too much for my liking.

Bud break is where you get literally buds bursting into growth and fruiting spurs are very short branches that have the fruit on. By having the branches festooned it makes the tree produce more spurs which therefore produce more fruit.

smallblueplanet · #10 (**permalink**) 13-02-2007, 01:46 PM

Forgot to ask when you festooned pw, oh and a sly reminder for some piccies?

pigletwillie · #11 (**permalink**) 14-02-2007, 05:38 PM

Just before Christmas SBP but you can do it now. I will get some piccies in the week as the camera was kindly left at the dragon in laws by my good wifey.

smallblueplanet · #12 (**permalink**) 14-02-2007, 07:16 PM

Many thanks to you pw.

Poledragon · #13 (**permalink**) 15-02-2007, 10:33 PM

I'll be watching this thread with interest, and look forward to the pictures. I've got a plum tree that needs restraining. Does it work with apple trees too?

pigletwillie · #14 (**permalink**) 15-02-2007, 10:51 PM

indeed Poledragon, it does.

pigletwillie · #15 (**permalink**) 21-02-2007, 12:20 AM

SBP, a picture of my 4yo Victoria plum festooned as promised.

Earthbabe · #16 (**permalink**) 21-02-2007, 09:05 AM

PW, can I do that with a cherry. The one I saw on telly was, I think, a pear.

pigletwillie · #17 (**permalink**) 21-02-2007, 03:59 PM

Yes you can EB.

Earthbabe · #18 (**permalink**) 21-02-2007, 04:47 PM

Cheers PW. That will keep it to a more manageable height. Mr EB will think I've finally lost it.

I'll have to tell him it's a maypole of something

Hazel at the Hill · #19 (**permalink**) 21-02-2007, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthbabe

...... Mr EB will think I've finally lost it.

I'll have to tell him it's a maypole of something

So Mr EB wont think that you're going round the twist if you tell him you now have a maypole in the garden...?!

Earthbabe · #20 (**permalink**) 21-02-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hazel at the Hill

So Mr EB wont think that you're going round the twist if you tell him you now have a maypole in the garden...?!

No because I'll simply tell him its early for Beltaine and his birthday!!

I doubt he'll believe me though. Worth a try.

smallblueplanet · #21 (**permalink**) 22-02-2007, 09:16 AM

Thanks pw, missed it yesterday - how tall is the tree?

WiZeR · #22 (**permalink**) 22-02-2007, 09:54 AM

WOW this is great news. I was just about to shell out for posts and wire to do espalier, this method is much cheaper and easier!

So I use normal garden string? and tie it to what? A Rod in the ground or the trunk?

pigletwillie · #23 (**permalink**) 22-02-2007, 10:01 AM

Unfestooned the tip of the leaders are about 10ft, after festooning its about 7ft

I just used soft twine tied about the post rather than the trunk as its a young tree.