Vines over the run...

[joan1708]

you have to be careful with vines. They can get out of hand very quickly with a lot of dead wood underneath after just a year or two. Almost all of them will need pruning to stay looking nice. Annual vines have to be cut down when they die and its a pain to pull all the twisted parts out. I think grapes are the best idea, but you will have to keep them pruned. Do grapes grow in Madison? There is a thornless climbing rose "zephryn druen" (I'm sure this is misspelled), that blooms pink in the spring. It would also need at minimum annual pruning if it will grow in your zone.

 

[grullablue]

Yep, we can grow grapes here, we already have some on the property....nowhere near the yard/barn/coop, it's a bit of a walk, on teh other side of the horse pasture....there's a farm road that goes up to that section, where it's just been set up as a nice area for a picnic or something. Some large boulders to sit on (one totally flat can be used as a table!), and an old merry go round set up, and the grapes. We've got 10 acres here, and it's just a little hideaway. But, I plan on growing some seedless varieties here this year, but would be willing to take some of those we already have to use for the chicken coop.

 

[crazyhen]

Remember that when you plant the vines will grow toward the morning sun. Plant the grapes on the other side and they will cover the top quicker. Make the support really strong. You may have to get up there to prune each winter. Enjoy your vines and grapes the chickens will. Gloria Jean

 

[grullablue]

Thanks, did not know they'd grow towards the morning sun..interesting! Which is perfect, because I can listen to your advice, and still plant them on the side I wanted to start on! The side that is facing the pic in my post! I was facing east when I took those pics!

 

[PamelaTX]

Beautiful coop!

I think the addition of the grape vines will just make it even more beautiful. Let us know how it works out for you.

 

[KatieMacDC]

Hi Angie,
How about some climbing green beans. They grow fast and you can also have some to eat. The chickens won't be able to reach all of them. All it will cost you is a package or two of seeds and a little something to ammend the soil. The return would be great fun for both you and the girls.
Another thought would be to plant giant sunflowers. They can be tied to the fence for support and then after they flower, you can give the heads to the hens to devour.
These are not vines, but they are not toxic either, and can look nice as well as being practical. They should also provide enough shade to keep the ladies cool.

Unfortunately, beans are toxic for chickens.