Work, Work and More Work!

Although we are looking excitedly toward harvest which will begin the last of August or first of September, the work is not yet slowing! John spent several days last week plowing between the rows of vines. Rye was planted between the rows last fall to help hold the soil from blowing in the wind. This can harm the vines, as we experienced last year. It had been cut to about 4 inch stubble, but with all the rain, the weeds were growing rapidly. In my opinion (for whatever it is worth), the vineyard looks much "cleaner" with the centers plowed.

Below is the Roussanne planted in 2009.

Here is a picture of the Aglianico planted in 2008.

He was even able to plow a "road" to the garden, which is about 200 or so feet from the vineyard!

We have a beautiful display of Black-Eyed Susans on our country road and they have spilled over into the circle and around the well. John was so sweet to save these around the well, because he knows how much I like them. He even picks them and brings them home to me for our table!  Actually, he said he would have plowed them all if he could - but, I know he was just kidding!