Espaliered Orchard on an Arched Arbor in San Francisco

24 Fruit Trees in a Small Garden

Landscape designer Stephen Suzman fit an entire orchard into a small San Francisco garden by espaliering trees on a 6-ft-wide, 56-ft-long arched iron arbor. Inspired by Gertrude Jekyll, the structure supports trees spaced 8 ft apart and serves as a leafy tunnel for the owners' children. Despite minimal winter chill, six apple types thrive ('Cox's Orange Pippin', 'Fuji', 'Lady', 'McIntosh', 'Pink Pearl', 'Red Astrachan'), plus crabapple and two Asian pears—mostly low-chill heirlooms.

Overcoming Drainage

Before planting, the top 2½ ft of soil were removed, a drainage system installed, and new topsoil added.

Care Routine by Hilary Gordon (since 1992)

Fertilizing: Whitney Farms organic Rose & Flower Food three times yearly (late winter with lime, late spring, summer).
Pruning & Tying: Dormant season (late Dec) for shape, open top, remove errant branches; secure growing branches with bonsai wire; summer light pruning for suckers and flat profile.
Thinning: Late spring at dime-size fruit, thin to one per couple inches of branch (except ornamental 'Lady' clusters).