This weekend in the vineyard I was horrified to see that Japanese Beetles had infested the vineyard and turned several grape leaves into lacy remnants of their former selves. See the pics below. They seem to prefer the Nortons.

I plucked and killed several of the evil little bastards, but there were a couple that got away down the grow tubes. I am very hesitant to use chemicals on the vines, but I realize I must at some point. For now, I sprayed the leaves with a soapy solution. I read on the internet somewhere that the soap will deter them a little. I was just trying to slow them down a little until I get back up there for a more permanent solution.

I pruned the dead leaves and I’m hoping and praying they don’t do too much more damage. They supposedly only have a 30-40 day lifespan, so maybe the worst is over.

This was a relaxing weekend and I didn’t do much in the vineyard due to all the rain and visiting with Jennie & Justin. I still need to finish my Norton trellis and plant my rosebushes.