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.
26 comments:
I think that's a good idea. Who wants hornets?
I'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.
I'm not quite as petrified of them as Lady M, but they are killers; two stings and it's 'goodnight'.
You probably have Bougainvillea instead. I would prefer the Bougainvillea, but it can't survive here.
Hornets 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.
For your sake I really hope Lady M is happy.
With 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.
It's difficult to tell!
Hang on, they stopped publishing Hornets in 1976.
Your 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
Our Hornets are of the 'Dandy' variety. Greater longevity.
Here I have to hold them back; they run amok.
I don't think I have ever seen a hornet - I am sure Lady M would say 'lucky you'.
Like 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).
I used to love the scent of our wisteria flowers. It used to attract a few bumble bees but no hornets.
Just imagine a giant brutal Wasp; that's your Hornet. Nasty beasts.
I have learned to ignore them, but Lady M sees them as the enemy. She panics.
Ours are filled with Bumble Bees at the moment.
Oh, lovely! And a much better idea than compost grapes and biting critters.
I expect there'll still be a barrow-load of grapes heading for the compost, but I'm hoping for fewer of the critters.
How long does the wisteria flowers last? It is a beautiful burst of colour
They're beginning to look a bit jaded. A few more days perhaps.
A happy wife leads to a happy life.
My husband always wanted to plant one in the front of the cottage
I think I will after this blog cro
It certainly goes a long way!
A cottage will always look better with one of the three; rose, wisteria, or clematis. They all require looking after, and all are beautiful.
Post a Comment