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Got to love Ivy

KatTai
22/02/2011 00:59

After trimming a few branches off my conifers, the ivy that was growing inside them has really started to take over and flourish now it is getting some light in there!  It've been avoiding cutting off any bits of ivy because I'm hoping it will take over the conifers and it certainly looks like the ivy has every intention of doing so!  And as a bonus, can now walk down the steps into the garden without being attacked by branches lol  Just need to keep on top of the conifers now to make sure they don't start blocking the way again.  The branches have also made a HUGE pile of logs at the back of the garden!

Millie & Fly the Border Collies

  • 22/02/2011 07:19
    Hi KT. My little garden would look quite naked without ivy, especially in winter and I'm sure I wouldn't have my resident wren. My log piles grow some fascinating fungi. I hope you enjoy your logs and ivy too. Best wishes, Ness.
    A garden is a thing of beauty and a job forever!
  • 22/02/2011 14:48 in reply to nessthehat

    I'll look out for firecrests then because we've got a lot of ivy here, especially in the scrubby woodland behind. I'm delighted we have so much in the garden too, all the reasons put forward by everyone, good cover, great feed for birds, lovely home for insects and I love the way it hums when it's in flower and covered in bees, hoverflies etc. who just love it. I think someone's nesting in the dense clump on top of the outhouse. In reference to KatTai's interesting thread about birds getting enough insects and nutrients, ivy's just the place for birds to find them, so what a good place to rear young - grub on tap.

  • 22/02/2011 16:02 in reply to Barnsley lad

    Unknown said:

    hi KatTai

     Ivy is nice but will need watching, If your conifers are high,  They will choke and rot the tree and make them unstable.

      Ray

    They're only about 10 feet and will soon be lower as I'm going to cut the tops off to make the height a bit more reasonable so they aren't big trees.

    Millie & Fly the Border Collies

  • 22/02/2011 16:48

    Hi Kat

    I think ivy is a great plant. There are many different types and colours and it grows anywhere.

    I'm glad that you managed to sort out your conifers. :-)

    Best wishes Chris

    Click Here to see my photos

  • 22/02/2011 16:59 in reply to KatTai

    Hi all

       I cut Ivy back at my sons .It had esablised itselfe on a wall and up a tree. There were thick roots around the tree and when removed the tree just about collapsed. The Tree was a  laburnum. The Ivy had gone over the wall and onto a neighbours shed and the wood panels would have come off if I had pulled the Ivy.

       Its the small roots on the branches that does the damage. all I am saying is be carefull and keep it in check.

      If you have seen a house wall after Ivy has been removed you will see what I mean.

          Ray

          

             a good laugh is better than a tonic

  • 22/02/2011 22:30 in reply to Barnsley lad

    I know how difficult ivy can be - I had to remove some from the garden that have covered the patio and went right along the wall to the other end of the garden killing a lot of shrubs in the process so I know to keep it under control :-)

    Millie & Fly the Border Collies