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Staying in tune with grapevines
The plant’s leaves gladden the eye as much as they tickle the palate. MAT COWARD has the details
Vine leaves
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GROWING vines for grapes can be difficult, depending on what part of these islands you live in, which way your garden faces, and whether you have a greenhouse. But growing them for vine leaves is easy, productive and highly ornamental.
I don’t know of any variety of grapevine available in this country which is specifically bred for the purpose of providing home-grown dolmades, although Pinot Noir is sometimes recommended as suitable.
But any variety will do, so when going through catalogues or websites to choose a plant look for one that is considered fully hardy in your area, and which has an autumnal foliage colour that you find attractive.
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