Grape Arbor

The Old-World Charm of a Grape Arbor

Few things say 'Old-World Charm' quite like a grape arbor. The clambering vines cradled gently in the arms of the trellis bring to mind the rich, sun-drenched lands of Tuscany and Cambria, and evoke the romance of Europe with a single glance. A grape arbor is an easy way to add elegance, charm, and even a delightful element of whimsey to a yard or garden. A grape arbor needs not be elegant, for that matter; they can be fun and playful. There are certain things you have to keep in mind if you want the grapes to grow well on them, but beyond that, no rules apply.

First of all, arbor need to be long. Trying to bunch your grape plants together never works well. Assume about seven to ten feet per plant; if you have one planted at each end of the arbor, you'll need to allow fourteen to twenty feet of arbor. That's a lot of arbor. Also, keep in mind that the center of the arbor, the part the grapes will actually be growing on, should be simply-strung wires, nothing fancy or complicated. The arbor part of an arbor doesn't leave a lot of room for creativity, just as the frame of a bed isn't where you express your style. For that, you have to turn to the headboard, or, in our case, the support posts at either end of the arbor. Like a trellis, it can be plain wood or complex wrought iron, Victorian-style ornate or Shakertown simple. It can be primary-color whimsical, or chic, elegant black. The endposts are where you really have a chance to let your creativity reign.

But suppose you live in an area where grapes don't do well? In the South, for example, your grape arbor is liable to be full of half-dead vines; nothing very romantic or Old-World about that! But it is possible to have a good-looking grape arbor in an area where grapes refuse to grow, simply by planting it with something other than grapes! For example, in the South, a good choice would be scuppernongs or muscadines, both grape-like fruits that grow well and look attractive on a grapevine. Do a little research and find something that will grow well in your area. Then, plant it and enjoy your grape arbor!