How do ivy and grapes get along in a hedge?
Even the ancient Greeks and Romans combined these two plants in their mythology. The interweaving of the vine and ivy was a symbol of life in abundance ( ivy meant fertility, and grapes means life).In reality, these two lianas need normal conditions for normal development. Decorative species are afraid of cold, like feeding, lots of light and abundant watering( there is even a sign that where grape grows, groundwater is close).And wild species show high results in any conditions - in the shaded and arid zones. Therefore, grapes and ivy are quite acceptable to use for arrangement of living fencing both together and separately.
In addition, wild grapes or ivy very easily tolerate transplantation and grow rapidly in new conditions. And to purchase cuttings of plants is very easy - they are sold in markets and in garden centers. Given that we create a fence, and the harvest in this case is of the last importance, a hedge of wild grapes or ivy is a simple and beautiful solution. But there is an alternative - the so-called girlish virgin.
The hedge of girlish grapes - wine berries on ivy leaves
The girlish vine( parthenocissus) is a North American or East Asian representative of the family of grapes. This vine is characterized by the presence of inedible berries, similar to wine, and the shape of the leaves resembles ivy. Each subspecies of girlish grapes( only three varieties of ten are used for gardening) at different stages of vegetation is characterized by individual coloring of leaves: from salad to rich green, from purple to bright-burgundy shade. The hedge of wild grapes is particularly beautiful, capable of quickly plaiting any surface.
In the care this liana is unpretentious, successfully propagates by cuttings. The main thing is that the soil is well drained and fertilized. Girls' grapes perfectly tolerate the climate of the middle latitudes of Russia. And even after strong frosts it is easily restored. It is widely used both for the arrangement of climbing fences and for the greening of facades.
Live climbing fence - how to properly equip it?
Whatever vineyard you choose - fruiting, wild, girlish vine or ivy, when adjusting a hedge of climbing plants, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of their structure. Take, for example, a hedge of hawthorn: the prickly bush is inherently a reliable barrier, unlike a vine, which requires an additional erection of a solid foundation capable of withstanding the weight of the plant and forming a secure fence.
The base requires a wooden or stone fence. But if security for the area where a hedge is planned, does not have a priority, you can dispense with a conditional support. So, reliably buried d-shaped racks can be densely plaited in a couple of years. And let such a fence be able to protect the site only from noise and curious views during the vegetation period, but at any time of the year it will be possible to be sure that the perimeter of the site is clearly marked. And also from late spring to early autumn, the owner of the estate and neighbors will be able to enjoy the beauty of a fence, woven with a vine or ivy.
