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Attractive, edible vines for cinder block wall
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Posted by makk 10, Southern CA. (My Page) on Sat, Jun 20, 09 at 20:17
| I have a cinder block wall that it about 50 feet long that I'd like to cover. I'm wondering if there is an edible bean or pea vine that I can grow on one part of the wall. If so, will it stay green year round or will I have to rip it out and replant? Also, I'm thinking about putting up some light netting on the wall, would that be strong enough to hold? Any other ideas? The family doesn't want anything that attracts bees, but attracting butterflies/hummingbirds would be great. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Attractive, edible vines for cinder block wall
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| Pole or scarlet runner beans are tall climbing plants but all peas and beans are annuals. You could put bamboo poles next to the wall for them to climb on. No they won't stay green year round. If you do plant them be sure to soak the seeds for a day or so before you plant. If you want something that stays green try grapes. All flowers that attract butterflies and hunning birds will attract bees. |
RE: Attractive, edible vines for cinder block wall
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| I have just discovered that the yardlong beans I planted as an experiment have gorgeous, lavender, orchid-like flowers. In your zone some plants that are annuals in the north may be perennial. Consult your local ag agent and see if your local community college has a master gardener program -- either could give you detailed information specific to your area. Unless you have family members who are allergic to bee stings or are dealing with the africanized type, bees aren't as big a deal as people think they will be. Most bees that are busy working abundant flowers are not at all aggressive. I can harvest cucumbers and inspect squash for squash bug eggs with them buzzing all about. They just move with the flowers as I shift the vines. :-) |
RE: Attractive, edible vines for cinder block wall
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| Thanks for the answers. I don't mind the bees but my husband and kids are convinced they are being stalked by them! Can I grow grapes here? I never thought of that. |
RE: Attractive, edible vines for cinder block wall
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- Posted by ppod 6 SE NY (My Page) on
Sun, Jun 21, 09 at 22:47
| I read people say that runner beans, like Insuk's Wang Kong, develop a tuber and are perennials, as opposed to regular beans, which are annuals. As perennials, they may grow year-round in your area, but I don't know if that's a fact. Perhaps someone else could tell you if runner beans would stay green and grow year-round in your area. Here're the two main Insuk's Wang Kong threads: Insuk's Wang Kong (Runner bean)
Insuk's Wang Kong (red scarlet runners) part 2 |
Here is a link that might be useful: Runner beans on Wikipedia
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