A Trellis for One

This Saturday was the two-year anniversary of the planting of the grapevine in my backyard, a day I remember fondly, not unlike the birth of a child.  As if to mark its birthday, the vine celebrated the occasion by bursting out of its swelling buds and announcing the arrival of the season's first grape leaves.  This happy occasion launched a series of activities to prepare for the year’s growing season. 

First, I finally ended my two-year procrastination and built my toddler a proper home.  The three-wire trellis system I decided to install mimics the similar version I built for the Hilton vines, but with the weight of only one vine to support instead of six, both the wire and stakes could be less bulky.

As promised, I also gave the vine its very first bath in fungicide, vowing to keep black rot from germinating here as it did at my sister’s house. 

At day’s end, I was feeling quite positive about the appearance of my “vineyard.”  With a population of one, it is by definition the world’s smallest vineyard, I admit.  But given that I can admire it through the window while seated at my dining room table, it puts a smile on my face nonetheless.  For today at least, I’m a proud papa indeed.