The Trellis: Quietly Essential
Focus
Like a trellis, the often unnoticed, supportive aspects of life and business are critical to flourishing.
The ordinary, consistent attention to behind-the-scenes support, alignment of processes, and development of organizational culture will produce and continually support the best outcomes in our company, on our team, and in our personal life.
In the Vineyard
Several years ago, I was so excited to plant a vineyard. I wanted to see the rows of vines and the fruit hanging in the sun. I could almost smell the harvest! I knew it would be a process, but I wasn’t prepared for how painstakingly long and rather uninteresting it would be.
In May 2023, we contracted with a few guys to plant a tiny vineyard on the hill behind our house. They carefully measured a 4’ X 4’ grid for 24 Cabernet vines to live in three rows, eight vines per row, marching down the hill. Each vine received a white carton, a piece of rebar, and an emitter as a gift towards their growth. This gift was what the vines needed during their first few months: a protective incubator, a strong support system, and water.
Nine months later, in early 2024, we did a little pruning, giving our baby vines their first haircut. Just like that first lock of baby hair that a mother saves in an envelope inside a baby book, I still have the handful of tiny canes we cut.
Then, time seemed to drag on with little to show. We needed to install the trellis system. Six long, rusted metal pipes were driven into the ground at an angle, one at the top and one at the bottom of each row. Two stakes were pounded into the soft spring earth along each row to hold the loosely strung wires between the metal pipes. The wires stayed slack while the end posts solidified into the ground and the vines grew a bit more. Ever so slowly.
We planted a cover crop as the rains began in the late fall, and in 2025, like magic, things started to take off. The uphill vines grew vigorously. Some even pushed out flowers and berries, which we cut off in favor of sending maximum energy to the roots. (Roots before fruit!) This year, we are getting close to our third pruning and looking forward to letting some fruit hang. The roots are maturing, and the trellis is now strong enough to bear the weight.
As a Metaphor
It’s tempting to let a new venture grow wildly without support and protection. New growth is exciting and looks so vibrant and healthy! But wisdom dictates a slower, more measured, less glamorous approach to growth and fruitfulness, allowing the roots to mature and creating a system for long-term support and flourishing.
This metaphor of taking the time to establish support systems is not just for start-ups and new vineyards; it’s also a metaphor for regular maintenance. Every winter, when the vines are cut back and the trellis is exposed, vineyard managers inspect the trellis and the water system to make sure they are strong and working well for the next season. The soil keepers plant a cover crop to nourish the roots.
During a growing season, the invisible roots and the barely-visible trellis are the backbone of a successful harvest. The time to notice and nourish these support systems is during a quiet, more reflective season of winter.
Taking the time to build a trellis in my vineyard may not be that interesting for me. But here’s the thing… I know that it’s the ordinary, consistent attention to behind-the-scenes planning, alignment of processes, and development of organizational culture that will produce and continually support the best outcomes.
In his TEDx talk in Berlin, Martin Gutmann says it like this: We should “celebrate those who mitigate drama… They are obsessive planners. They build processes that align with the organization’s strength with the unique challenges they face. They create cultures that bring out the best in people.”
Things to Ponder
Organizational
When was the last time you stopped to consider the less glamorous, supporting aspects of your business? Is there a person or team that is consistently attending to the health of the systems and processes that keep things running smoothly? Perhaps celebrating those people or teams who are normally less visible would be a great encouragement!
Team
How regularly do you celebrate the quiet, behind-the-scenes efforts of people on your team? A vineyard retreat could be a great opportunity to bond and celebrate each person!
Personal
What does your personal “trellis” look like? Examining, acknowledging, and taking the time to invest in our personal, often barely visible, support systems encourage a lifetime of flourishing. Here are some things I’ll be trying this year:
Friends and colleagues trellis: Writing handwritten notes of thanks and encouragement.
Personal body trellis: Doing more strength training.
Family trellis: Calling family members more often.
What do you have on your list for 2026? How could you attend to the trellises in your life?
Like a trellis, our team can support your success! Give us a call.
With you through the seasons,
Susie Lipps
Upcoming Opportunity: LENT Meditations
Does your faith tradition observe the 40 days of Lent? Are you curious about Lent?
Starting on Tuesday, February 17 (Mardi Gras) through April 5 (Easter) you can participate with others in our community on a slow, metaphorical walk through the vineyard with Jesus as your teacher. Every day you’ll receive an inspiring email that will connect you to the true Vine while giving you insight into the lessons from the vineyard.
If you have previously signed up for the Lent Meditations, you do not need to sign up again. Maybe next year, there will be a print version!
