Welcome to the Jungle

We've all heard the old adage, "Be careful what you wish for."

California and I were in cahoots for more rain and we got it.

The native plants and grasses on the ranch are happily going off, growing wild and free, while the vineyard is slowly being tamed.  Our biggest challenge right now is addressing the explosion of Vetch in the Meter by Meter and Orchard blocks. Vetch loves it here here, and while sometimes considered a weed, this nitrogen fixing legume is great for vineyards. It's just a pain in the ass to navigate while organically tending to the baby vines underneath it. 

As far as the rest of the vineyard is concerned, it's relatively smooth sailing. I've made several passes with the mower, alternating rows or blocks as the weeks go by in order to make sure the grasses can alternate as well. When the pattern changes, a fresh new swath of vegetation has popped up. Clover, Lupine, Yarrow, Vetch, Oat, Barley and dozens of other wonderful little plants rope though the rows with a vigor I've never seen in my 40 plus years on this property. 

It's pretty cool.

More next week. We're hooking up the drip for our baby Syrah which has been transplanted from the nursery into the OG Ledge block. 

Thanks for visiting.

MCA