Hello, I am a rookie but I have a beautiful garden. I have just purchaced a vintage wire corn crib with tin roof to transform into a rustic gazebo (ish) sanctuary. We moved it on a flatbed about 1 mile. The entire crib is covered with 15-20 yr old wild grapevine that drapes the entire roof and about halfway down the corn crib which is approx 25 ft tall. Its absolutly beautiful and we wanted to preserve the vines so we dug up as much of the roots as we could. The root network was extensive so we only took about 5-10 feet of it with as many "feelers" as we could (there was only 2 main roots and we took both) we transplanted them in the ground the same day on our property (fertile farmland) after placement of the crib. By the end of the day all of the leaves were wilted (2 days ago) and now its looking pretty much like we killed it. Is there any chance of the roots taking hold and the plant surviving? I am also wondering if I should prune the existing foliage to aid in the rooting process. Its July in Michigan. Thanks for any advice! Betty
Mid season transplanting is difficult at best with most plants. The disturbed roots cannot keep up with the transpiration of the leaves, and it will continue to wilt and likely die unless you cut it way back. Don't worry about losing the structure of the vine; if it survives it will grow back quickly. Initially water heavily to bring the soil into contact with the roots but then let it breathe - don't continue with heavy water or it will drown. Ralph
