| We are continually being told, in the media and by | | | | of trees and shrubs has led to the development |
| our doctors, that we should all lead healthier | | | | of some very interesting varieties and a fantastic |
| lifestyles, eating more fresh fruit and taking more | | | | selection of dwarf or compact fruit tree varieties |
| regular exercise. One of the best ways to do this | | | | have been created. Usually the fruit tree has its |
| is to grow our own produce but it is often difficult | | | | growth restricted by grafting it onto specially |
| to grow fruit and vegetables in small spaces. This | | | | grown dwarfing root stock such as M9. Although |
| article takes a look at growing fruit trees in small | | | | the dwarf M27 root stock was once very popular |
| spaces. | | | | the M9 stock has proved far more reliable and it |
| Fruit trees can look spectacular in any garden, as | | | | has the bonus of increased yields of fruit. |
| well as the incredible blooms of blossom you, of | | | | You will be able to find a dwarf or compact fruit |
| course, benefit from the annual production of fruit. | | | | tree which grows as small as 1m but unusually |
| By growing your own fruit it is possible to grow it | | | | they grow from between 1.5m to 1.8m. If you |
| organically (by not using artificial chemicals and | | | | find that this size is still a little too large for your |
| fertilizers) which could save you a large amount | | | | small backyard then you can further restrict |
| of cash. Furthermore the fruit can be picked at | | | | growth by planting the fruit trees in containers. |
| the exact moment you wish to eat it. Fruit this | | | | Such trees can be places on patios or sunny |
| fresh is far better for you as stored fruit tends | | | | balconies and size can be even further reduced |
| to lose it's flavor and the vitamins and minerals | | | | by careful annual pruning. |
| can degrade over time. | | | | For those of us with really tiny backyards one of |
| For the health conscious amongst us you should | | | | the most exciting developments in the horticultural |
| be aware that gardening is one of the best ways | | | | world is the development of dual fruit trees. A |
| to make sure that you get some regular exercise | | | | dual fruit tree is really two different species which |
| and the garden can be the perfect place to enjoy | | | | have been grafted onto a single dwarfing root |
| other energetic pastimes. Unfortunately most | | | | stock. Another thrilling variety of compact fruit |
| modern, urban backyards are only small spaces. | | | | tree is the "midget fruit tree" which is so called |
| Sometimes the backyard has barely enough | | | | because the tree has an extremely upright and |
| space to have a small patio and a tiny lawn with a | | | | non-spreading habit. The finest examples are |
| few flower borders. However, with a little time | | | | those types are the Spur Apples which have an |
| and effort, it is possible to create a fantastic | | | | extreme upright habit which appears to be |
| garden design for the very smallest of backyards. | | | | covered in fruit. Some types of tree can be |
| Unfortunately trees are not always the most | | | | trained to grow right up against walls and other |
| suitable plants to grow in small spaces. In general | | | | surfaces saving even more space. |
| trees tend to grow extremely large and the | | | | As well as compact apple trees it is possible to |
| spreading branches and roots can end up causing | | | | find dwarf compact varieties of many other |
| some serious damage to nearby buildings and | | | | types of fruit tree such as plums, pears and |
| pools. Having a large mature tree in a small space | | | | cherries. Other fruits include peaches and |
| can become a nightmare as the restricted space | | | | nectarines and even hazelnuts, Kiwi fruit and figs |
| can cause problems when attempting to remove | | | | can be purchased in dwarf varieties. Even in a |
| such a tree. Obviously it is far better to plant only | | | | really small backyard it is possible to grow a large |
| suitable trees and shrubs in the first place. | | | | selection of fruit which not only tastes great but |
| Happily the increasing demand for smaller species | | | | looks fantastic too. |