Today, I tackled the Chardonnay row as it needs structure at this point (and the Solaris are daunting with their extraordinarily vigorous growth). I cajoled and tied vines in desired configurations. I did not see any grape flower clusters on any but one, which was covered in them. That vine, however, has red tendrils, stems and shoots. I suspect it's not a Chardonnay. I was so excited when I saw that at first. And then to realise it's different broke my heart. Let's hope it's not a Concord. Perhaps it's a genetic variant of Chardonnay that will be perfect for our climate....Vitis vinifera 'Daria'.
The Rondo is already making little grapes, and I couldn't find a flowering Solaris. It's going to be an interesting season.
I also pruned the cherry trees today, as we got the only 2 remaining cherries on the two trees. There were perhaps 20-30 when I last checked, but I guess the birds got them all despite the kite flying overhead like wild. Bummer, but at least I got them pruned. Let's hope I can bring them back from the brink.
I have 5 remaining Chardonnays to prune, the oldest 5 we planted maybe 8 years ago. I hope they'll have some grapes on them.
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| Growing from the base of a Chardonnay. Very different leaf shape. |
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