VP – oh dear, I so sympathise, but I can’t see my ivy taking over while I’m not looking – the garden is too small for me not to notice!
Bobnmal – thanks for your suggestion, I have considered Virginia creeper, but its wildlife value is minimal compared to that of ivy, and I really want to use my plants to bring the wildlife in.
Donutsmrs – the thing about propagating your father in-law’s cherry tree is that you won’t quite know what you’re getting. Most cherry trees are grown on rootstocks to control their size (they are very vigorous trees), so if you just take a cutting or grow from seed, you could end up with a monster. I think there are companies out there that will graft a cutting (scion) onto a rootstock for you, but I can’t find any details online. You could try phoning Brogdale and asking them if they know of anywhere they would do this. They may even do it for you. Good luck!
Happymarion – ivy in the lounge, you should write a book! I think that’s where I would draw the line… And I would love to feed my ivy babies compost, but I'm too afraid to disturb the mouse in the compost bin.
Higgy50 – I didn’t know you could come out in a rash from ivy, thanks for the tip
I have a very large mature Laburnum which is covered in ivy. I have been told differing opinions on whether to try and control the ivy,will the ivy actually kill the tree if left? thank you for your help.
One of my favourite broomrapes, Orobanche hedera has ivy as its host plant , so look out for this orchid-like, leafless, flower coming up, often yards from the host plant, from April onwards.
I would love to grow a rambling rose against a wall, covered in pebbledash, but am not too sure how to prune a rambling rose, and how often. I think I would need about 3 plants to cover wall.
Elsie123, just cut back any ivy that is jutting out where it shouldn't (trim it)but leave the leading shoot to grow up your pergola. If it is staying in its container you will have to feed it y taking off the top two inches of compost in the spring and replacing with fresh, and remember to keep it watered.
oh thank you happymarion will take your advise all so can i ask when i have potterd my bulbs up and put them in my green house which are daffs, hyacinths,lillies do i need to water them over winter or just leave them till spring i am new to gardening after having a stroke i have picked gardening up to do to keep me bizzy thanks
i have a well established ivy hedge and i have recently counted 10 red admiral butterfies on it, the occasional small tortoiseshell, and loads of different bees and hoverfies.So it is a very good late food source for insects.It is also very attractive, but needs keeping in check!
Posts
VP – oh dear, I so sympathise, but I can’t see my ivy taking over while I’m not looking – the garden is too small for me not to notice!
Bobnmal – thanks for your suggestion, I have considered Virginia creeper, but its wildlife value is minimal compared to that of ivy, and I really want to use my plants to bring the wildlife in.
Donutsmrs – the thing about propagating your father in-law’s cherry tree is that you won’t quite know what you’re getting. Most cherry trees are grown on rootstocks to control their size (they are very vigorous trees), so if you just take a cutting or grow from seed, you could end up with a monster. I think there are companies out there that will graft a cutting (scion) onto a rootstock for you, but I can’t find any details online. You could try phoning Brogdale and asking them if they know of anywhere they would do this. They may even do it for you. Good luck!
Happymarion – ivy in the lounge, you should write a book! I think that’s where I would draw the line… And I would love to feed my ivy babies compost, but I'm too afraid to disturb the mouse in the compost bin.
Higgy50 – I didn’t know you could come out in a rash from ivy, thanks for the tip
Kate
We have it cut every year, like a hedge, so that that it doesn't develop into the shrub form or get into the roof/windows..
What does need watching are the other entrances you can forget about: we got the roots choking up the outlet from the shower.
Wish more houses in the countryside were ivy covered rather than stark blue/white, shouting their presence across the valleys...