The wind broke the main post of my grape trellis off at the base this winter. It’s leaning precariously, but tied to the aspen tree to make sure it doesn’t collapse across the sidewalk. Poor broken thing. I’ll be taking it down piece by piece as soon as the rains stop and the ground dries a little.
Sadly, the old grape vine is going to bite the dust as well. I haven’t really used the grapes for much over the last few years anyway. I still have bags of cleaned and stemmed grapes in the freezer from 2014 that will probably end up in the trash. I’m not going to miss the work that comes with harvesting grapes and making them into jam or juice. But I will miss the wonderful scent of ripening Concord grapes in the fall.
I have plans to make up for losing the grapes. More flowers to attract butterflies, new lavender plants and rose bushes for their perfume and their beauty, and a new tree for the back yard. I already dug up some of the old iris corms and day lily bulbs and transferred them to one of the raised garden beds that will be alive with colorful flowers this year instead of the usual veggies. I think my priorities are changing….
Such a homey scene, Pat. Like you, my priorities are changing also. I’m trying to force myself to stop and smell the roses … or watch butterflies. If only I could see them like you will. I really haven’t seen very many since I lived in my childhood house in Salt Lake City. Or maybe they were there because children would play outside and there the butterflies would be. You got me remembering….
A lovely imagistic post.
Thank you, Ann.. If we haven’t learned by now to pause and reflect…to watch the butterflies and marvel at the beauty of the flowers, then we haven’t been paying attention all those years. In my town in Northern Colorado, the university has a large outside trial garden for new plants and flowers. I love to go there during the summer and walk the paths. So many colors, so many designs…and just a few minutes away from my house. I love it..
Too bad about your grapes and trellis, but the replacement flowers sound lovely.
Donna, I just hope I attract a lot of butterflies this year. I’m going to sit outside with my camera ready!
My father grew grapes after he retired. He liked the work but I just like eating them or better yet, drinking them in wine.
Hi Susan! I did try making a batch of wine with these grapes but ended up with a musty mess. I like my wine must-free. 😀
You’re right, Alex. Concord grapes have seeds and the skins are a bit tough so they’re not perfect for munching. But having the entryway to our house smell like Welch’s grape juice sure was nice.
Sorry about your grapes and trellis. Concords have seeds, correct? Not even a grape you can just munch then.