Beware the vine

There's a vine at the entrance to my garden that's threatening a takeover.

Yesterday I tried to redirect it up and around the arbor before it strangles any unsuspecting visitors.

When I posted about this vine a few years ago, you all helped me identify it as Silver Lace. 

It thrives on neglect and can grow about 12 feet per year.

See what I mean? My guard at the gate no longer intimidates anyone. 

I didn't know Johnny and the vine were friends. When I saw him resting beneath it,

I assumed he liked the shade, but it's actually a prime spot for hunting lizards.

They crawl out of the rocks, Johnny grabs a snack, then goes right back to his shady spot.

Maximum efficiency, minimum effort.

Johnny's butt is leaning against ground zero. The once-tiny vine stem is now a tree trunk.

I warned Johnny if he didn't move soon, the vine would likely twist around his tail

and he'd never chase another lizard.

He believed me.