Espaliered fruit trees are a great way to make use of small and narrow vertical spaces in the garden. Deciduous espaliers provide year round interest with:

Blossom in spring
Fruit in summer
Autumn foliage
Stunning architectural framework in winter

Come along to my espalier workshop to learn how to set up and maintain these amazing works of art in your garden.

Espalier is an ancient art form of training and pruning fruit trees to grow along a two-dimensional plane. They are a great way to make use of vertical spaces such as against north facing walls, or that narrow gap between the driveway and the fence. You can even grow them in pots!

Once you understand the basic principles of espalier, they are very easy to set up and maintain.

"Had a most informative day and learnt a great deal. Duncan has a really good way of getting his knowledge across and following him around the property helped to understand even more. I thoroughly enjoyed my day."

Pam L.

Espalier Workshop Participant

This class is designed for beginners and is ideal for those wanting to set up an espalier. Those with established espaliers that are looking to understand how to maintain them will also find the class useful.

By the end of the class you will have the skills and confidence to:

Select the right fruit tree, with the correct rootstock
Set up the trellis framework for the tree
Plant and perform the initial training
Maintain the espalier to ensure that it is healthy, beautiful and productive

The class will involve a combination of theory in a class room setting and practical demonstrations outside, including:

Setting up an espalier frame work for a potted fruit tree
Performing the initial training of a newly planted espalier tree
Pruning and training of established espaliers

What to Bring:

Enthusiasm for learning
Notepad and pen for taking notes
Your lunch
Water bottle
Closed toed, practical shoes
Warm clothes as Kyneton can be cold in winter

This is an all-weather event with many of the demonstrations conducted outside.

Early Bird Pricing ends 14 June 2026

About the facilitator

I’m Duncan Cocking and I’ve been growing fruit and vegetables since I was four years old. I support others to grow food and reconnect with nature through my business Leaf, Root & Fruit. I'm passionate about reconnecting you to nature via gardening. I write about growing food and living sustainably. I'm a cool temperate gardener and permaculture educator with 12 years of experience hosting workshops.

During my classes, I focus on the science behind how gardens grow. This gives you an understanding of the built-in resilience of plants. Rather than always finding problems to fix with sprays and other products, you will have a renewed focus on relaxing, observing your garden, and enjoying it. Understanding “why” minimises the amount of work you have to do in your garden.

“Fabulous workshop. You know your material so well and are able to deliver it in easily digestible form. I learned things I didn’t realise I needed to know. I loved having the science explained to counter some of the gardening folklore I’ve accepted without questioning…”

Wendy P.

Workshop participant

About the facilities

In 2019 my young family and I moved from Melbourne to make a tree change to Kyneton, a small town 80 km north-west of the city in Victoria, Australia. Since then, I have been busy developing a permaculture-inspired garden ecosystem.

The property has an onsite classroom, with heating supplied by a wood burner. A split system acts as a back-up source of heating and cooling. The light filled, colourful classroom is kitted out with a large screen for running presentations. The are basic tea and coffee making facilities and ample car parking.

My demonstration orchard contained within a netted enclosure provides opportunities for workshop participants to explore all aspects of growing fruit trees, and contains many examples of espaliered trees. I have designed and planted an extensive berry patch, market garden beds and edible forest gardens. The kitchen garden demonstrates food growing in a more typical backyard setting.

Participants from all over the state attend our workshops. I look forward to hosting you at this exciting event.

Cancellation Policy:

If the workshop cannot go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances then an alternative date will be scheduled and participants will be given the option to attend on the new date or accept a full refund. Otherwise, to maintain viability of these workshops, there are strictly no refunds. Thanks for your understanding.

Espalier Workshop: Create Your Own Garden Masterpiece