Trumpet Vines

Years ago, before I realized how invasive a trumpet vine is, I took one of the shoots from my trumpet vine which is in front of the living room window and planted it in the side yard.  I wanted it to vine over the arbor there.  I had trouble getting the arbor established.  Several time winds blew it over, even though we pounded stakes into the ground and tried to anchor it to the stakes.

Meanwhile, the established trumpet vine started sending shoots up everywhere in the front yard and I started to read about it on gardening message boards.  I was dismayed to learn how very invasive it really is. Therefore when a friend said she had been trying to get a trumpet vine, I dug up my vine from the side yard and took it to her.

However, I didn't get all of the root.  The vine grew back. I hired Dan to anchor my arbor so that it wouldn't blow over. What a job he did!  That arbor is still solid and has stood firm ever since.  The trumpet vine started to climb over the arbor.  I know it hopes to take over the side yard as well as the front yard. 

This year, the trumpet vine is blooming for the first time.  The redeeming quality of the trumpet vine is that birds and bees love it, especially the humming birds.  Also, the trumpet vine near the living room window helps to keep the living room cooler.

I'm glad to see the new trumpets this year, but I am wondering what will happen to the yard in the coming years.  I think it will be OK as long as we keep mowing.  That will confine the vine to the arbor or trellis area and keep it in line.  Meanwhile, the humming birds, other birds, and bees are happy with the vine.  So am I.

Posted by: NJ on 7/29/2005 8:08:09 AM , 2 comments