Intro to Espalier

Espalier is French but is derived from the Italian word for "support", "or rest shoulder against". Espalier is art of pruning and training trees or shrubs usually flat against a wall or trellis to form symmetrical and flat geometric shapes.  

Espalier dates back to 1600's in France when fruit trees were getting killed by the frost so farmers decided to plant the trees next to walls. Then space became limited as the trees spread out, so the farmers decided to cut back the trees and realized this "pruning" caused the trees to bear even more fruit the next season.

Assorted espalier patterns that exist from Attic Mag

Famed landscape architect here in Atlanta is John Howard of Howard & Associates who designs the most classic yet opulent outdoor living spaces and gardens. Ironically, a few of his projects featured beautiful espalier designs among other beautiful landscape detail. 

Howard Design Studio

Howard Design Studio

Howard Design Studio

Howard Design Studio

Other Beautful Espalier Designs

Blooming espalier from This Old House

Smaller patio using the horizontal espalier design from BHG

Can you believe this magnolia tree is being grown so flat and narrow in the fan pattern of espalier from Barbara Berry's Beyond Beauty book featured on The Style Saloniste. I think this photo truly shows the art of espalier "to train a tree to grow flat against a wall".

Pattern Designs

Vines such as ivy or wisteria may be used, or flowering camellias, pyracantha, jasmine, and flowering quince are other good choices for design patterns against a wall.

Camelia branches create a criss cross design from This Old House

Beautiful belgian fence design on the front of the house from Deborah Silver

Here is an example using ivy in the belgian fence design from BHG

Fruit Bearing Trees

Fruit bearing trees, typically apples and pears, can be grown against walls and this practice allows for typically larger sized trees to be grown in smaller, more compact spaces. Heat generated from the walls help the fruits riped more quickly. The fruit bearing trees provide beautiful blooms in the spring, and vibrant foliage and fruits in the fall. See some of the various patterns patterns below.

I had not seen a citrus espalier yet from Ian Barker Gardens

Circular pear tree espalier at Museum Garden Gaasbeek, Belgium from Avantgardens

2 tier candalabra espalier (Pear tree) from renowned grower, River Road Farms in TN.

Close up of the actual tree bearing fruit

Ready to try your own, but dont want the daunting task of starting from scratch? There are reputable espalier growers who specialize in the "Trees in Training". Most notably, is Peter Thevenot of River Road Farms has estate grade pieces and whose work has been featured at George Washington's Mount Vernon, The Atlanta Botanical Garden,  Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, The Denver Botanical Garden, and The Morton Arboretum in Chicago to name a few.
                                                             

 

Ready to try your own? With a little patience and a few years, you can get your own espalier. Check out these instructions featured on P Allen Smith from Peter Thevenot at River Road Farms. 

George Washington's Mount Vernon Espalier's

Against the wall you can see some of the espalier from George Washington's Mount Vernon 

Close up at Mount Vernon from AD

Atlanta Chef, Ford Fry's Kitchen

Definitely been a hectic year and sorry for the lack of posts! This one definitely inspired me to share with you. Here in Atlanta, one of our celebrity chef's is Ford Fry. Recently he opened his kitchen to a small group and the photos were amazing! He has a massive Bluestar cooking range, a rustic hearth for fire-roasting meats and vegetables and I love his simple Christmas decor! Hope you enjoy these and maybe now you will want to add a fire-roaster to your Christmas list.

Photos from Atlanta Business Chronicle

Druid Hills Remodel by Pritchett + Dixon

I have featured Pritchett + Dixon before for lake houses and this time I wanted to showcase a home remodel in Atlanta in the area known as Druid Hills. This house was built in 1916 but recently a lighting strike coupled with water and fire damage required an extensive remodel of this house.

Spanx Amazing Office

Spanx....some openly admit to using them, some of us use them secretly, but we have all heard of Sara Blakely's Spanx collection which has now spanned into bathing suits, and a mens line (which I think should be named Manx).

The Spanx headquarters is located here with me in Atlanta, GA, tucked away in a highrise using 37,000 sf. I could only imagine when they moved across the street to their new building what the offices would look like....but I must say I was still surprised when I saw these images.

Tvsdesign firm, also located in Atlanta provided a "detailed feminine aesthetic and posh Hollywood feel" which also was recognized by Interior Design magazine as one of the Top 10 of 2010. Check out these amazing images from tvsdesign, and Interior Design magazine.

Elevator entrance to the lobby with red laquer and white quilted walls. Love the Spanx sign in Hollywood lights.

Mirrored coffee table, Bradley Hughes Linton sofa, with a residential feel. This is not your typical corporate lobby.

Open office work stations with drapes, lamps, and chandeliers for lighting. 

CEO, Laurie Ann Goldman's office, looks like a feminine living room, love the vintage LV, rugs and Atlanta based graphic artist, Philip Barlow fabric on the chairs.

Spanx has a "board of fun" who plans activities for the group and wanted the kitchen to feel at home be able to have a place for baby showers.

Another view of workstation and seating area.

Vintage Life Magazine Wallpaper