"Sacha" wrote in message
.. .
Pete Griffiths11/1/04 12:32

Hi,

We currently have a new conservatory under construction, and have been
given
a vine (no idea what variety!). There are no planting holes in the
floor,
but I have heard that a useful alternative is to plant the vine outside
against the wall, and train it through a hole into the conservatory. The
hole would be large enough to accept the girth of the vine when matured,
and
would be packed with foam or a similar material in the meantine. Is this
a
sensible approach? (One of my concerns is mice!)

It was the old-fashioned way of planting grape vines. They are in natural
soil and receive rain water - unless of course you have to take a hand
during a drought. Sounds a good approach to me.
Of course, where you live depends on whether or not you would need to
protect the roots in winter - I'm sure others can advise you on that.

--
Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.co.uk
South Devon
(remove the 'x' to email me)

I agree its a good way of getting reliable crops, you may also consider
letting some stems grow outside on wires where they will give shade in
summer (vines are late into leaf) you could even get some bunches some years
outside but you are far more weather dependant.
Do try and discover the variety before going to a lot of trouble, some are
not worth growing for grapes being used mainly for foliage effect
--
Charlie, gardening in Cornwall.
http://www.roselandhouse.co.uk
Holders of National Plant Collection of Clematis viticella (cvs)