The Holly and the Ivy

Not just for Christmas

At this time of the year you cannot go very far into a public space without being bombarded with symbols of the festive season. I have noticed this year that Christmas songs seem particularly loud, I’m not sure why that is, but they are difficult to ignore. I dutifully sing along to them in my head, knowing most of the lyrics which I have now been practicing for many decades. The words are supposed to get us in the mood for the festive season but when you really listen to the sentiment of most Christmas songs, they conjure up either the “perfect” Christmas cheer or some form of regret or the missing of human connection.

In the bleak midwinter

These are not my go to songs this time of the year. I am drawn to songs about the outdoors and particularly what nature offers us this time of the year. As I look around at the fading foliage in my garden and nearby parks, the evergreens pop out in a blaze of glory as if stating that they are very much here in the moment with me, shining, glistening in the morning damp-filled air. Here are two of my favourites.

Holly (Ilex)

The holly is in full berry. Bright scarlet spheres clinging to the branches contrasting so brilliantly with its deep, dark green leaves. If you look very closely at the berries it is hard to tell if they are arranged in a certain pattern, though when holly is drawn it is often depicted with three berries in a cluster. They look like, to me, their purpose is just to be together, safety in numbers perhaps? So what is their fate? Treats for blackbirds, materials for wreaths, homes for the minibeasts looking for shelter in the cold winter months to come? If you are lucky, you may see holly that is in variegated form, demonstrating a threefold contrast within the borders. I love this type of holly in my wreaths.

I recently found out that holly leaves are not spiky unless the plant detects some form of attack. The subsequent new lower leaves take on a ferocious form which, if you have ever picked up the wrong end of a holly leaf you will understand, is an amazing deterrent for a hungry herbivore passing by. The lower leaves of the clever holly plant will usually be the spikiest as that is were the herbivores will be able to reach them. Spiky leaves are also formed to support them in cold environments.

Ivy (Hedera)

Ivy is another wonderful, tenacious plant. The flowers produced in late autumn, whilst not particularly colourful and showy, have and amazing form, the lime yellow balls resemble a sputnik. The nectar is used by any insect that is still needing this life saving elixir. The berries produced in winter have a high fat content and are a good food source for many of our native birds. Its climbing habit, with grasping roots, helps it to reach to great heights as it sticks to most flat, outdoor surfaces. (The greek hedra means to sit, referring to the roots that position themselves flush with whatever they are in contact with). Ivy has been associated with many symbols over the centuries such as fidelity, intelligence and the prevention of intoxication.

(Source: The Woodland Trust)

When harvested for indoor decorations, the long versatile form of ivy allows for draping over mantlepieces, up staircases and encircling wreaths. My gardening magazines say it is advisable to wear gloves when gathering ivy as the sap may cause irritation and it is best to avoid bringing it indoors if animals and children are likely to touch it.

So a big shout out to all the evergreens this time of the year. They do not always have centre stage, or get stared at in awe and wonder but they truly come into their own in the winter season, helping us to carry on traditions that have been around for hundreds of years. They most certainly help a variety of wildlife survive too and serve to remind us of the need and connection we have with nature, even in the coldest season. Once done with all your evergreen foliage, don’t forget it is easy to compost it for next years soil improver.

I am curious

What plant do you associate with winter?

What creations do you make with natural materials?