Once a vine has done its job in the garden or bucket, the vine root is far too good to be carelessly disposed of. In order for the bizarrely shaped rootstock to serve as decorative wood full of character, the following specifications must be observed.
Grapevine root is a very decorative wood
Each grapevine root is unique
No grapevine root is like the next. In addition, the wood has a fine texture and is extremely robust. The numerous advantageous attributes qualify the rootstock for multifaceted possibilities of further use. The following selection may serve as inspiration:
- decorated with plants on floral foam, as a beautiful decoration in the house and garden
- professionally processed into a shapely wooden figure
- as an addition to terrariums, aquariums or animal cages
Anyone who, as a hobby gardener, also has a little skill in woodworking, will not miss the chance of an imaginative design of a vine root. The wood is easy to turn and has a wonderfully smooth surface after planing.
It depends on this pre-treatment
Although a grapevine root has a unique look even without artistic processing, some preparatory treatments are indispensable. With a moisture content of at least 20 percent, the wood is threatened by mold even after it has been dug up. In addition, it has been exposed to various pests, bacteria and fungal spores for decades. Before you consider one of the many possible uses, the following action is required:
- clean the wood thoroughly, ideally by sandblasting
- Alternatively, clean using a high-pressure cleaner
- fully dry a fresh grapevine root over 6 to 12 months
- Disinfect in the oven at 150 to 180 degrees Celsius for 60 to 90 minutes
If the bark tears during the drying process, this should not be considered an accident. Resourceful hobby gardeners use the cavities to place small plants in them. In the aquarium, the gaps are filled with java fern or similar plants.
tips
The wood of a grapevine root has made a name for itself among barbecue enthusiasts as an alternative to classic charcoal. Thick root strands keep the embers just as long as charcoal. In addition, the rootstock of a naturally fertilized grapevine of the environmentally conscious hobby gardener serves as a more sensible fuel compared to charcoal from a rather questionable source.