The Grape Arbor

[bvar22]

Finally finished the Grape Arbor that was in the first photo of this post:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=246x12169


There is much Starkraven influence here.
My general inclination is to overbuild with stuff from Home Depot,
like the lattice work around the Raspberries in the background.
Starkraven requested something more natural, using natural stuff from around our place.
I said I would try, but this was way out of my comfort zone.
I used Hickory for strength and longevity, but found them impossible to bend into an arch.
The arch was finally formed with Willow, and then buttressed with shorter pieces of hickory.
There is a lot of wire holding it together.
In spite of its frail appearance, it is surprisingly sturdy.

Starkraven has plans for a "free flowing" butterfly garden in this area, and the Grape Arbor will be the entrance.
I'm happy with it, and Starkraven said she loves it. :)


We planted the grape vines 18 months ago.

The first Summer was disappointing.
None seemed to grow very well, and 4 died.
But these two exploded in growth this Summer.
The only problem is that we originally planted 6 different varieties to determine which grows best here, but we lost the planting diagram.
We have no idea which variety of grapes are growing on the arbor. :shrug:
Starkraven says she remember what kinds we planted, just not where.

I guess we'll know when we get some grapes?

[beac]

1. Very cool. I'm impressed!

My grandmother had a grape arbor in front of her garden, which we thought was impossibly exotic and magical as children. I look forward to seeing how yours develops.