I am new to the board, so I thought I should introduce myself, then get some advice. I live in Laredo, Texas, on the border of Mexico. By trade, I am an opera singer and professor of voice, and two years ago, purchased a house. I was raised in the suburbs, so have no great knowledge of growing plants, but have managed to do well with some roses and assorted other flowering plants. Thank heavens I didn't inherit my mother's Black Thumb of Death! The climate here is usually hot and dry, although this summer has seen a LOT of rainfall. I don't know what else you may want to know, so I will let you ask. So, here is my situation: A friend of ours gave us a White Grape vine (I don't know what variety) at the end of June. I planted it expecting it to die, but due to the rainfall and lower than normal temperatures (we have only had one day over 100º here, and usually we have a few of these by the end of May), it is doing well and thriving. My wife, son, and I just got back from a month in Salzburg and Bayern, and one of the hotels in which we stayed had a back patio with walls and ceiling covered in grape vines. I would like to create a place like this in my backyard (with the realization that the weather patterns of South Texas and Alpine Germany are, shall we say, different--and that the hotel had about 200 years of growth on me) but I am not sure what I need to know about grapes to get it going. Other than three more plants (one for each corner), what will I need to consider? The patio in Germany had wire structures along the ceiling (a grid pattern with openings about the size of a brick) and if I remember correctly, there was a similar metal framework around the outside of the walls between the 4 foot solid wall and the top which was about 8 feet tall so that it had an airy, open feeling about it. I realize that this may be a rather stupid question, but I have looked over the first three pages of posts and can't seem to find anything, so any friendly advice would be greatly appreciated. Will I need anything on the walls for the vine to attach to? If so, what would be best? More of the metal grid? I have a Doctorate in Voice Performance, and am happy to do research, but I have no idea where to begin with this. And, of course, as I don't have to feed my family from the back 40 (although we do have an avacado, a lime and three banana trees!), the decorative aspects, rather than commercial is the focus of this project. Thanks for any help you can give. Dr.G
Try these two sites: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/southerngarden/Texaswine.html http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ The first will give you a good overview and history of grapes in Texas, along with some options for varieties. The second is a starting place for some research. I'd strongly suggest finding a local nursery for local advice. Some of the native vines may be a good choice if fruit is not your main objective. The trellis for your patio will have to have some structure for the vines to climb on; using the house for this purpose is rarely a good idea. Ralph
Thanks, Ralph. I have no intention of putting the patio by the house. Currently, it is planned for the back of the yard, and will need to be arranged with the city to make sure it is OK with city codes. But I appreciate the links to the sites. I had visited the first one, which as you said, gave history, but not a lot of practical "how to" advice. I will follow up with the second one and give it a try. Most of the first links I clicked were designed for those who want to put in a Vinyard. My desire is much smaller, so some of the information will be helpful, but much of it deals with "Row" distance, which doesn't really concern me. But it is a place to start. I will speak to local nurseries and see what the have to say. Thank you for the hlep. Dr.G
