Chapter 10 Ornamental Plants in the Landscape 263 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Espalier Espalier is a unique plant training method in which the plant is trained to grow flat against a wall or other support. Espalier can be used to create visually appealing forms and shapes against a vertical surface and to incorporate edibles into the landscape while conserving space. A fruit tree, for example, can be trained to grow against a garden wall. Espalier is often used as a focal point or at the end of a line of plants, Figure 10-30. Massing Massing is the practice of planting many of the same type of plant very close together. Massing provides sweeps of colors that create dramatic effects, especially when contrasted with monochromatic sweeps of other colors. Plants should be installed in a diagonal pattern rather than a rectangular pattern. The diagonal, staggered pattern provides more room for the plants to fully mature in width and uses more plants, Figure 10-31. Rectangular spacing leaves small gaps between plants. The plants must be equidistant (spaced equally apart) to ensure proper coverage is achieved. Massed plants have lower weed pressure due to foliar shading, buffered root temperatures, and reduced water needs. Massing can be used with peren- nials and annuals. Eag1eEyes/Shutterstock.com Figure 10-30. Pyrycantha (Pyracantha coccinea) is commonly espalied to grow flat against a wall or other structure. Espalier plants are unique that often become a focal point of the design. Anita SKV/Shutterstock.com Figure 10-29. Interesting shapes and figures are created with topiary pruning. Topiary plants require high maintenance and must be routinely sheered to maintain their desired shape. JFs Pic S. Thielemann/Shutterstock.com Christopher D. Hart Figure 10-31. A/B—Mass plantings provide a sweep of color. C—Diagonal planting provides sufficient growing space and creates a pattern of diagonal lines that can be viewed from different directions. MaryAnne Campbell/Shutterstock.com MyCreative/Shutterstock.com A B C