Problematic Pergola

Hi All,
I'm still fussing over a pergola that is not fulfilling its purpose, namely, to provide comfortable SHADY outdoor seating and dining in summer.

I chose grapes as the vine to do the job, believing they were tough and fast, and had long historical precedent for growing on pergolas.
So, my question is: does anyone have a pergola shrouded in grape vines?  Does it provide DENSE shade in summer for you?  Does it drop half-dried grapes/raisins on you while you are reposing in the shade?
After four summers, should I give it one more season, or start over with a different vine, or lattice, or shade cloth?

Following are some photos of the pergola taken in midsummer.  I increased irrigation shortly afterwards,and the vines have responded by producing some late growth, but not too much.

www.flickr.com/photos/27474976@N07/sets/72157622287967839/

Thanks for any advice!
-Ben Armentrout-Wiswall
Simi Valley, inland southern California
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index