Pyrus communis "Doyenne du Comice"

Here is a four-year old espalier pear, Doyenne du Comice, which I decided to plant after reading Alan Titchmarsh describe it as "the fattest and juiciest" of pear varieties. Right then, that's the pear for me! It's grown outside against a south facing fence in the herb garden, partially shielded from frosts by an enormous upright rosemary. I like this picture as it shows so clearly the difference between the fatter fruiting buds and the smaller, thinner leaf buds. Identifying the two at pruning time is essential to a successful fruit crop.

The picture below shows the same espalier pear, with a beautiful creeping vine growing through the lower wires. Akebia quinata is a beautiful, scented vine that will overpower this pear eventually, but I'm growing it anyway, and will use the parent vine for cuttings. At least, that's the plan.