Fruits as Ornamentals

by Marvin Pritts

Many are familiar with the Concord grape; indeed, you may have a vine growing in your yard. Although some object to the strong flavor of Concord, the biggest objection is with the seeds. Thompson, although seedless, is not sufficiently hardy for the Northeast, and the flavor is non-existent. Fortunately, Cornell breeders have developed seedless grapes that are hardy, colorful, and very intensely flavored. My favorites are Himrod, Einset and Canadice. I have 6 trellised vines of Himrod and Einset acting as a fence along our property. One of my friends has a very nice arbor covered with a Himrod vine. He sits under the arbor in the late summer, reading his books and plucking grapes.