Grapevines, Buckeyes & Hedge Apples

Today was perfect for a walk in the woods.  I was on the look out for grapevines to cut.  Most of the leaves have fallen off the trees so the perfect sized vines are easy to spot.  I am in need of a Christmas wreath for the back door.

The vines here are quite numerous and can get very large.  It's not unusual for them to grow to 50 feet or more.  They wrap themselves around the trees and can actually cause damage, so I'm doing a chore too.

I picked up a few Hedge Apples along the way.  The Old-timers say they keep the bugs away if you lay them around the foundation of your cabin.  I don't think there is any scientific truth to that, but I do it every year any way.

  We have a couple of Buckeye trees on the property.  I thought I'd gather some nuts  to make a garland for my  wreath.  These nuts are a beautiful chestnut brown and are naturally glossy.  They have a smooth texture and feel so nice in your hand.  The Old-timers carried them in their pockets for good luck, or to help cure rheumatism. 

Here are some of the vines I cut.  It's bit of a chore to pull them down out of the tree!  I trim off all the scraggly bits and set to work.

I start with the larger vines weaving in and out.

I thought I'd try for a slightly oval shape.  Add a heavy wire hanger and it's ready to decorate.

Finished size is about 23 inches tall and 19 inches wide.  Just about right for the back door.

 I drilled holes through the buckeyes and strung them on wire.

 A few pine cones, some greenery I already had & this will do for the back porch.  Plain and simple!