privacy. Many homeowners have installed large trellises with the hopes of having something full and lush to cover it. The most common requests are for clematis, ivy and honeysuckle. These are all lovely vines but for sheer wild and unabashed growth look no further than the classic grapevine! The amount of growth in one growing season for young vines can be staggering. We received our 2012 stock of assorted grapes in early March. Since then I have hacked them back twice (I even considered using a machete they were so tangled amongst themselves). These were only small one gallon pot size starter vines! My own Niagra white grape (pictured here) at home has also been ruled in sharply twice this season before it completely covers my greenhouse. It is only 3 years old!
Of course, there is the added advantage of the fruit your vine will produce. Clusters of red or green grapes are lovely to look at and feel oh so Mediterranean! If you really want an Italian garden look, then plant the deep purple/blue Concord variety. If wildlife is a concern where you live then snip off the clusters as they develop and simply enjoy the vine for its classic grape leaf. All that is required for a successful growing site is as much sun as possible and plenty of room to ramble. All the other common sense requirements apply; good soil, light feedings regularly and ample water until established. We still have plenty of inexpensive starter varieties of grapevines left. Give this overlooked vine consideration!
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