Previously the façade of the house, and our covered terrace, have been covered in grape vines; and much still is.
However, Lady Magnon has been complaining about the amount of Hornets they attract in early Autumn, and she wanted them replaced by Wisteria.
So, I took out one ancient vine, and trained a branch from the 'tower' Wisteria around the corner and along the front wall. Its blooms are over now (as I'm sure you can see), but it flowered really well considering that it's only one year old.
At the same time I planted a Wisteria sucker by the entrance to our covered terrace, which has also actually flowered well this year. It is less exposed to the sun, so is still looking good.
I'm sure Lady M was right. All the grapes always went onto the compost anyway (or went for juice), and we still had plenty if we required any.
The main advantage will be far fewer Hornets this year; and Lady M will be happy, I hope.
I think that's a good idea. Who wants hornets?
ReplyDeleteI'm not quite as petrified of them as Lady M, but they are killers; two stings and it's 'goodnight'.
DeleteI'm not sure if I saw wisteria here in the area, now all of a sudden I really want one on the walls of the house.
ReplyDeleteYou probably have Bougainvillea instead. I would prefer the Bougainvillea, but it can't survive here.
DeleteHornets are pesky little blighters. We have only had one or two here over the years but we tend to run indoors and shut the doors quite firmly when we see one.
ReplyDeleteWith all the grapes around (100's of bunches) we had lots of them. I put out traps for them, but they are still a worry. Hopefully there'll be less this year.
DeleteFor your sake I really hope Lady M is happy.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to tell!
DeleteHang on, they stopped publishing Hornets in 1976.
ReplyDeleteOur Hornets are of the 'Dandy' variety. Greater longevity.
DeleteYour Wisterias have done really well. They put on such a beautiful display. They don’t seem to like our garden ... we have tried a few times but have given up now. You seem to have got the magic touch. XXXX
ReplyDeleteHere I have to hold them back; they run amok.
DeleteI don't think I have ever seen a hornet - I am sure Lady M would say 'lucky you'.
ReplyDeleteJust imagine a giant brutal Wasp; that's your Hornet. Nasty beasts.
DeleteLike Lady M, I dislike hornets. The exception is when I'm photographing them when, for some unaccountable reason, I am invisible to them (in my mind).
ReplyDeleteI have learned to ignore them, but Lady M sees them as the enemy. She panics.
DeleteI used to love the scent of our wisteria flowers. It used to attract a few bumble bees but no hornets.
ReplyDeleteOurs are filled with Bumble Bees at the moment.
DeleteOh, lovely! And a much better idea than compost grapes and biting critters.
ReplyDeleteI expect there'll still be a barrow-load of grapes heading for the compost, but I'm hoping for fewer of the critters.
DeleteHow long does the wisteria flowers last? It is a beautiful burst of colour
ReplyDeleteThey're beginning to look a bit jaded. A few more days perhaps.
DeleteA happy wife leads to a happy life.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly goes a long way!
DeleteMy husband always wanted to plant one in the front of the cottage
ReplyDeleteI think I will after this blog cro
A cottage will always look better with one of the three; rose, wisteria, or clematis. They all require looking after, and all are beautiful.
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