Tending Our Vineyard

Just a few days ago, the vineyard at That Old House was a tangle of bare branches, interspersed with unwanted visitors -- shoots of Forsythia and some renegade leafing vines.

Howard has cleared out the squatters, and the grapevines
that have lived here for at least 5 generations are leafing out for another season.

We are peeking into the grapevine's secret world . . . .

See those little bunches of tiny round bumps, hiding in the new leaves?

Right there, cuddled in among the soft pale new leaves, are the tiny embryonic grape clusters.

Someday they will grow up to be lovely shiny purple Concord grapes, as generations have done before them.
It's their family business.

There are billions of them, or so it seems. That Old Vine is a vigorous dude.

We're not the only ones who have enjoyed this tangled old fellow:

See?

A little sparrows' nest. How's that for a vignette? :-)

In a few weeks, you will hardly be able to see these branches for the leaves.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, whether you are outdoors or in.

Visit Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for her popular Outdoor Wednesday blog party! See you there! -- Cass