It was the warm weather I think, but we have a bumper ‘crop’ of grapes this year. I say ‘crop’ but this doesn’t seem quite the right word, as I never intended to have grapes as an actual product; they simply appeared as the unintended consequence of having a grape vine. Indeed the grape vine has always seemed a bit of a nuisance to me as it marauds over the pergola by the pond, creating far too deep (and low hanging) shade to be useful and being so prolific in its new foliage and tendrils in the growing that I feel as though I am doing battle with it. It blocks the pathway, makes the pergola virtually inaccessible and climbs up into the nearby birch tree.

Indeed last Spring I cut it back heavily, sadly rather too late in the season, and it ‘bled’ watery sap all down my arms and into my hair. My aim was to create something that was less of a tangle, more in control, but as with all these things, when you prune you tend to stimulate;ate growth and it came back fiercer than ever.

I understand that if I had actually wanted a proper crop I should have thinned out the bunches so that the plant’s energy could go into growing a few bigger grapes rather than so many smaller ones. As it is I have many many small bunches of rather small seedy grapes, although they are quite sweet and certainly prolific.

So my next question is, should I propagate another vine from this one to clothe the pergola on the front of our new cabin, to be build later this year? I need a deciduous climber to provide shade in the summer but not hinder the sun in the Winter. A grape vine might be a good choice with its stunning foliage and fruits. It would also potentially be a plant for free and I know that this particular cultivar grows well in this garden. However, perhaps I will end up doing battle with that  vine as I do with this, and regret my choice. Also, it might be better to have something with flowers and a scent? What do you suggest readers? What do you think are the best deciduous climbers for an exposed south facing position?