Unusual Front Gardens #19: Grapes


I found these jaunty blue railings draped with edible grapes when we ventured to the bottom of the hill in Bishop's Castle last month. I wonder if I could manage something similar in our front garden.

Update - thanks for all your interest in this idea in the comments, though of course there's also been plenty of speculation on how long the grapes would last in most locations.

If you like the idea but not the thought of attendant scrumping, then a possible alternative if you have the space is the wonderful Vitis coignetiae, which has dramatic, large leaves and small bunches of inedible grapes. I first saw this vine scaling a tree at Westonbirt and Karen was so taken with it adorning the fence of one of the demonstration gardens at Derwen garden centre last month, she took one home with her.

Comments

  1. I wonder how many grapes disappear?

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    1. It's a relatively small village and they're right at the bottom of the hill where very few people go. However, I'm sure there's still some scrumping going on!

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  2. Have to say the blue painted railings with grapes on it looks great!

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    1. I think they look fab. However, in my garden I think the grapes would have to be white as the railings are black. Or perhaps I need to buy some blue metal paint...

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    1. It's inspired isn't it Margaret? I'm also imagining that the vine leaves must be a rich red by now and even more colourful :)

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  4. Wonderful. We've got grapes, but the birds and wasps and flies can be a problem sometimes. At the moment flocks of starlings are taking them, but they're very welcome to them, I've taken what I want.

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    1. I have a grape vine at the allotment CJ, but it isn't growing very well. I'm envious that you have grapes! I have some of those wonderful glass wasp traps which go in my apple trees - beautiful as well as functional.

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  5. Those clusters of grapes look beautiful against the blue railing, which I love. I had the same thought as Sue--I wonder how many of those grapes disappear as people pass by. They are just too tempting!

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    1. Rose - since I replied to Sue I've realised that the grapes are on the way to church. I wonder if any of the congregation get tempted?

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  6. They look stunning together, the grapes, the foliage and the railings.Tempting for passers by!

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    1. Very tempting - especially if you'd stopped to chat to someone in the street there.

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  7. They look good but sadly they'd be gone in a flash hereabouts. Flighty xx

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    1. Shropshire seemed to be a different world Flighty - much gentler, a little old fashioned and with a wonderful sense of community. It was great.

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  8. It looks great, and I may try something similar since my front garden will be the sunniest spot - but I, too, worry about the grapes going walkies!

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    1. I look forward to seeing that. We're in a small secluded cul de sac of 5 houses, so I can risk it. However, it's not such a sunny spot, so that may prevent grapes from forming in the first place.

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    2. I took some pics of the new garden over the weekend, which I will blog when I get the chance. The plans for it are still at the 'nebulous' stage, though ;)

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    3. 'Nebulous' but exciting :)

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  9. What a great idea - colourful & edible. Would be a great idea for an Incredible Edible group.

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  10. Looks fantastic. Reminds me of my friend's house in London which had a vine growing over the front railings. It didn't have big clusters of grapes, but the local Greek ladies used to visit fairly regularly to forage for their dolmades!

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    1. Ooh yes, I'd forgotten about those. So we have doubly edible idea here :-)

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