The leaves have all dropped. The path is decorated with their crunch and winter light now falls gently in. After 10 years of growth, the grape vine on the west side of our home is abundant and verdant in summer. It barely lets a drop of sunshine in, which is perfect for creating a hospitable space in the heat. I have stubbornly wanted to plant native grasses along the western edge, but the lack of summer light due to the thriving grape vine makes this task impossible. The compaction from tiny feet using the recreational swing make it even harder. At some point I will have to find a tough plant that enjoys low level light and bustling feet to decorate the ground where the grape vine crunch falls. But the success of the grapes has meant excellent summer coverage from the setting western sun and its performance is much appreciated. My kitchen faces west and has a very large window on this side. Without the vine, the sun would overheat the kitchen and make cooking unbearable. Instead I have a a great view of summer green and sweet purple.

Grape Vine Crunch

Grape sweets: in summer the grape vine is abundant with tiny fragrant fruit. We pop the pulp into our mouths on the way to school.