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[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

>Do hops roots travel much?

Heavens, yes!   Where I first had hops along the fence row in the back (and 
now is an electric fence so I can't allow anything to grow there), the ground 
is covered with the small sprouts 15' from the origianal site of the vine, 
and 
of course, get grazed off all during the summer ... which barely deters them. 
 
I often expect those vines to say in a Jackie Gleason voice "A little 
traveling music, Sam!"

>James, your photo shows somewhat bedraggled leaves. Is that a common  
characteristic or is that from some wind or just homesteader abuse?

Abuse.  The vines are usually quite lush and healthy but this was after two 
harvests already and at the end of the drought of Biblical proportions.


>Specifically, I am thinking that hops would make a wonderful  
shade canopy in an outdoor eating or lounging area. What think you?

Most assuredly.  Here  e're the ides of April they are already nearly 2' tall 
and they will cover the 14' tall gate posts and creep along 20' of fence rail 
by mid May.


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