The Art of Pruning

I could have spent lots of time this afternoon doing paperwork. The piles are staring at me like a hungry puppy wanting some table scraps, and I feel just as guilty, but the day is just too beautiful. It was great to have this week to catch up on so many things I have been meaning to do. Who would have thought February would be so gorgeous? I sacrificed enough of those days cleaning, sorting, etc.

I put on my warm vest, grabbed my favorite italian pruning shears, and set out to the grape arbor which has been patiently waiting for its yearly pruning. The wind was cold on my cheeks, but the sun warmed me. Whenever I start to prune, the chore seems overwhelming. I told myself, I'll probably not finish this today.

My dad taught me how to properly prune grapevines. He said that if too many leads are left on the plant, or if it doesn't get pruned, then the plant will not have the strength to produce fruit. I often wondered how it happens in nature. I suppose, storms, animals and anything else that may break off parts of the vines would be like a pruning.

I take a good look at the vines before I begin. What is their structure? Where is this plant going? Where do I want it to go? What looks overgrown? Pruning is the art of shaping plants. The first time I pruned, it was hard for me to cut leads because I felt I was hurting the plant, and what makes it worse is that grapevines weep from the cut. Now I see it as a healthy sign because I know the plant has its juices flowing. It's normal especially on warm sunny days.

Three hours later, the grape arbor has been pruned. I don't even feel the exhaustion, but the temperature dropped quickly with the setting sun. It's time to go in. I will clean up the cuttings tomorrow. I can feel the workout on my arms, shoulders and neck. It hurts, but it's a pleasant kind of pain. I feel good. Two more arbors to go, but that's for another day.