George Ray McEachern
Extension Horticulturist
Texas A&M University
Grapes and muscadines have been a part of Texas’ heritage and tradition for many years. Grape arbors were part of the Seaport Mansion Landscape in Galveston and Spanish Mission courtyard in El Paso.
Many homesteads and landscapes over the state still have the grapevine – over the wall, along a back fence, or in the old shade tree.
Arbors Enhance Landscape
At the turn of the Century, T. V. Munson identified 13 of the 27 species growing wild in Texas. Now Texans of the 1990’s are looking again to the grapevine for beauty, food, enjoyment and pride. Grape arbors serve as accents in the landscape, as a passage way or simply a source of shade in recreational areas and to adorn structures.
The tasty grapes you can pick from your arbor are versatile in their use. You can eat them fresh; process them into juice, jelly or wine, or simply have the fruit on the vine for the delight of children and adults.
Fruit Characteristics Chart
Plant Troubleshooting
Field Notes
