At Brookhall Open Farm outside Lisburn, a remarkable pear survives, known to be over 100 years old: it was planted when the buildings were erected in the 1870’s. What makes it remarkable is that it is an espaliered specimen, grown tight against the gable-end wall of farm buildings, and has been severely pruned for all those years.
It is an artificial form, but the pear is quite happy. It renews itself with strong shoots and glossy green leaves each year, with white blossom which sets pears so long as the Spring weather is kind and the bees are out and about to assist pollination.