6 ways to use ivy in your garden – Monty Don calls it something 'every gardener should nurture'

English ivy, scientifically known as Hedera Helix, is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing plant native to Northern Europe and Western Asia, possessing a whimsical quality that makes it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening. Its long vines can elegantly drape over fences, spread across building exteriors, or cascade from hanging pots indoors, adding a playful and intriguing touch to any setting. Joyce Mast, a professional “Plant Mom” at Bloomscape, offers insights into successfully cultivating this evergreen perennial. Before planting English ivy, it is important to understand its growth habits and environmental preferences. Historically, English ivy has been utilized as a textural element on various surfaces. When allowed to grow horizontally, it can extend up to 15 feet wide and 8 inches tall. If trained to grow vertically, it can reach impressive heights of over 50 feet. The plant thrives best in bright, indirect light, which enhances the vibrancy and distinctiveness of its variegated leaves. However, it is also adaptable to shadier conditions, a characteristic that aligns with its naming after England's often overcast climate. English ivy prefers humid environments and consistent temperatures to maintain its dark, verdant foliage. When growing English ivy outdoors, its vigorous nature as a ground-cover plant makes it a classic choice for gardens. However, this vigor necessitates diligent care, as the ivy can quickly spread and potentially overtake a backyard. To manage its growth and ensure its health, bi-weekly feeding with basic houseplant food is recommended during warmer months, transitioning to monthly fertilization in cooler periods. Regular pruning is crucial, specifically cutting below the leaf node, to control its size. If English ivy climbs up tree trunks, pruning is especially important to prevent excessive weight and blockages of sunlight. While English ivy can create a picturesque scene clinging to walls, pergolas, or trellises, it's essential to be aware of the potential for structural damage due to the weight of the plant and the adhesive properties of its holdfasts. Removing ivy from walls can lead to surface deterioration or crumbling, prompting caution for homeowners concerned about long-term structural integrity. For those willing to undertake the necessary research and ongoing maintenance, the aesthetic benefits might outweigh the risks. For indoor cultivation, the safest and often most imaginative option is to grow English ivy in a pot, allowing its leaves to cascade over the edges. Mast advises selecting a pot that is either wide and shallow or one specifically designed to accommodate its root system, as English ivy roots do not burrow deeply into the soil. Misting the ivy up to three times a week helps maintain humidity, and a monthly wash with lukewarm water keeps dust at bay. The most critical aspect of indoor care is avoiding overwatering; the plant prefers to be on the drier side, so watering should only occur when the topsoil feels dry to the touch, ensuring thorough saturation without leaving standing water in the saucer. By adhering to these guidelines, English ivy can become a cherished and relatively easy-to-care-for addition to any indoor or outdoor garden. #EnglishIvy #IndoorPlants #OutdoorGardening #PlantCare #HomeDecor #GardeningTips #Houseplants #PlantMomAdvice

The article explores the growing trend of incorporating plants into home decor, highlighting the benefits of indoor plants beyond mere aesthetics. It notes that while some trends may pose health risks, the plant craze offers advantages like air purification and improved sleep quality, making it a beneficial addition to one's lifestyle and home environment. The piece suggests that even in small spaces, indoor gardening can be achieved effectively, aiming to inspire readers to embrace this trend. Six distinct indoor garden ideas are presented, demonstrating how to integrate greenery into various home settings, even for those with limited space or a lack of gardening expertise. One approach utilizes open shelving in kitchens, as exemplified by Justina Blakeney of Jungalow. By interspersing various plants, including those with dripping vines, she adds height and texture, making the kitchen feel more lively. This method suggests that the plants can complement any kitchen aesthetic, regardless of whether it perfectly matches the existing decor. For tiny entryways, the article suggests a strategy from Dabito at Old Brand New, where plants are arranged on multiple shelves of a bookcase. This not only provides much-needed storage but also creates a welcoming and bright atmosphere through the mix of greenery, addressing the challenge of designing functional and inviting small entry spaces. Another idea caters to individuals with an "unapologetic green thumb," recommending the clustering of plants on a console, as demonstrated by Maria Bergstrom. She created a hanging planter using a broomstick and macrame, drawing the eye upwards and allowing vines to wrap around the broomstick for a whimsical effect, creating a focal point with dense plant arrangements. For those who enjoy cooking with fresh herbs, the article offers a creative alternative to a simple windowsill arrangement, inspired by Chris Loves Julia. This method involves using terra-cotta planters, leather straps, anchors, and ceiling hooks to create a hanging herb garden. This not only keeps herbs easily accessible but also adds a splash of color to a kitchen nook. Addressing blank, narrow walls, the article challenges the traditional view that such spaces are only suitable for framed photos. Dabito of Old Brand New designed a vibrant living wall by planting spinners and fillers vertically. This technique effectively conceals the planters and brings life and color to an otherwise underutilized sliver of wall. Finally, for individuals who have struggled with plant care, the article provides a solution: a faux living wall. Emma Chapman at A Beautiful Mess created this by using materials such as project board, wall anchors, netting, and astroturf as a backdrop for artificial plants. Although it required about 10 hours to arrange the leaves, the faux wall adds texture and color to her home office, offering a low-maintenance way to enjoy the aesthetic benefits of plants, especially when paired with a few real plants for a balanced effect. #IndoorGardening #PlantDecor #HomeDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions #DIYPlants #BiophilicDesign #InteriorPlants #GreenThumb

Evergreens offer a wide array of options for garden design, providing lush foliage throughout the year, seasonal color from flowers and berries, privacy, and vital structure, especially during colder months. These plants are often low-maintenance, resilient, and can endure for decades, serving either as dramatic focal points or as complementary backdrops to seasonal blooms. Experts advise on effectively utilizing evergreens when planning a garden or selecting plants for small front yards, emphasizing their role as a structural essential that ensures year-round interest and provides a solid anchor for other plants. Evergreens are particularly effective for screening gardens from roads or neighboring properties, filtering noise and pollution, improving air quality, and offering nesting sites for birds, even in winter. Many of the best privacy shrubs are evergreens due to their continuous foliage cover. A varied selection of evergreen shrubs, differing in leaf form, color, and texture, can yield dramatic results. Variegated varieties can illuminate dark corners, while colorful foliage options add vibrancy. Fast-growing shrubs can quickly establish desired screening. Evergreens are also useful for naturally dividing a garden, creating private areas for seating and dining, or subtly delineating different garden 'rooms'. Proper planting techniques and timing are crucial for the health and longevity of these shrubs. Many evergreen shrubs possess wonderfully scented flowers, which are essential for creating fragrant gardens. Combining specific varieties like Sarcococca hookeriana 'Purple Stem', Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata', and Daphne x transatlantica 'Eternal Fragrance' can provide continuous scent from December to October. Scented evergreens are especially valuable in winter gardens when other plants are dormant, contributing to a sensory garden experience. When designing with evergreens, form is a critical consideration. Garden designers suggest combining mounding and arching forms to achieve a well-balanced scheme. Symmetrically placed mounding forms can create a traditional look, while loosely combined forms offer a more relaxed feel. Mounding forms are excellent for adding rhythm and movement, particularly along pathways. Evergreen structures within large borders can frame corners or provide rhythm through perennial planting. Varieties like Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golf Ball' and Sarcococca confusa are recommended for creating neat, clipped ball shapes, though it's important to choose evergreens that tolerate pruning to prevent them from becoming overgrown. Evergreen shrubs can serve as the backbone of a garden, offering a stark contrast to the more ephemeral perennial planting during summer months, which is particularly striking in white garden designs. Drought and salt-tolerant evergreens like Pittosporum tenuifolium and tobira are suitable for exposed coastal locations. Pittosporum can be tightly clipped like English yew, which provides a dark and dramatic backdrop. For a looser, more resilient option, Osmanthus x burkwoodii offers perfumed white flowers in spring. For borders and boundaries, natural privacy hedging using evergreens is environmentally friendly and provides a year-round structural skeleton to the garden. Fast-growing hedges like Taxus baccata create dense, neat hedges. Viburnum tinus, which produces flowers and berries, is recommended for vegetable gardens as it attracts insects and pollinators while offering a less formal look. Other suitable hedging options include Prunus lusitanica, Osmanthus x burkwoodii, Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum', Elaeagnus pungens 'Maculata', and Photinia 'Red Robin' for bright red foliage. Topiary shapes, created with evergreens, add form and contrast to various garden styles, from traditional to contemporary. Taxus baccata is a classic choice for topiary due to its density and ability to be pruned into diverse shapes, tolerating dry shade, chalk, and acidic soils. Other suitable topiary shrubs include Viburnum tinus, bay trees, Buxus sempervirens, Osmanthus burkwoodii, Ilex crenata, Sarcococca confusa, Phillyrea angustifolia, and Hebe 'Green Globe'. Many evergreen shrubs thrive in shady spots, providing year-round interest with flowers and foliage. Daphne pontica or Daphne laureola are suitable for dense shade, offering highly scented blooms, though they prefer free-draining soils and dislike pruning. Viburnum davidii is a low-maintenance option that bears white flowers and purple-blue berries, while Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' serves as a good filler. Sarcococca, a compact shrub, copes with dry shade and can be used for path edging, releasing a sweet scent from December to March. An evergreen parterre garden utilizes clipped evergreens to create formal patterns. While buxus is often avoided due to blight, alternatives like clipped Taxus baccata, Hebe rakaiensis, and Ilex x meserveae Blue Maid can be used. Pittosporum and Ilex crenata are also good replacements for buxus, tolerating shade and clipping. Euonymus fortunei cultivars are low-maintenance and thrive in poor soils and shade. For an exotic garden feel, large-leaf evergreens such as Fatsia japonica, Nandina domestica, and Pieris japonica 'Forest Flame' can create a jungle-like ambiance, with fatsia being suitable for north-facing gardens and the others providing vibrant seasonal foliage colors. Creating an evergreen garden involves careful consideration of each plant's purpose and the overall balance of forms, sizes, leaf colors, and textures, incorporating flowering and scented varieties for seasonal interest. Evergreen climbers and trees also contribute height and structure. Matching the right plant to the right conditions is essential for a thriving, varied evergreen garden that provides beauty throughout the year. #EvergreenLandscaping #GardenDesign #YearRoundInterest #PrivacyHedges #ScentedShrubs #GardenStructure #TopiaryIdeas #ShadePlants #ExoticGardens

Ivy plants are a popular choice for indoor gardening due to their low maintenance requirements, ease of propagation, and tolerance for various light conditions, making them versatile decorative elements for any home. This article explores 16 distinct types of ivy suitable for indoor cultivation, providing detailed descriptions of their appearance, light preferences, mature size, and leaf characteristics, alongside essential care tips to ensure their thriving growth. English Ivy (_Hedera helix_), a well-known variety, is characterized by its deep green, intricately shaped leaves and can be managed in containers or hanging baskets to prevent its invasive outdoor growth. It thrives in part to full shade. Swedish Ivy (_Plectranthus verticillatus_) stands out for its simple care regimen and distinctive burgundy red stems contrasting with light green, oval, scalloped leaves, preferring indirect, moderate sunlight. Algerian Ivy (_Hedera algeriensis_), with its fast growth and potential for variegation, requires regular trimming and also prefers indirect, moderate sunlight. The article also highlights several English ivy cultivars, including 'Glacier' and 'Goldchild'. 'Glacier' features deeply pointed leaves with creamy white edges and grows rapidly, needing frequent trimming. 'Goldchild' exhibits pale gold and yellow variegation, which intensifies with sun exposure, and has a gentle, non-invasive growth habit. Himalayan Ivy (_Hedera nepalensis_) is often confused with English ivy but has more elongated and curlier leaf tips, doing well in moderate sunlight or part shade. Other notable varieties include Marengo Ivy (_Hedera algeriensis_ 'Gloire de Marengo'), an Algerian ivy cultivar with large, heart-shaped, variegated leaves that tolerates brighter indirect light; Yellow Ripple Ivy (_Hedera helix_ 'Yellow Ripple'), a compact grower with delicate, lacy blue-green leaves edged in gold and yellow; and Persian Ivy (_Hedera colchica_ 'Dendroides'), also known as Bullock's Heart ivy, which boasts large, glossy, dark green leaves with a leathery texture. Atlantic Ivy varieties, such as 'Rona' and 'Latina', offer unique coloring; 'Rona' displays dark green mottling on a creamy white background, while 'Latina' features dark emerald green star-shaped leaves with gold-splashed central veining. Needlepoint Ivy (_Hedera helix_ 'Needlepoint') is a climbing cultivar with small, dark green leaves forming dense clumps. Grape Ivy (_Cissus alata_), also called oak leaf ivy, has dark green leaves with irregular edges resembling oak or grape leaves and is excellent as a hanging plant. 'Gold Dust' English Ivy (_Hedera helix_ 'Gold Dust') presents small, dark green leaves flecked with gold, ideal for containers. 'Anne Marie' English Ivy (_Hedera helix_ 'Anne Marie') is a compact grower with grey-green leaves and creamy white edges. Asterisk Ivy (_Hedera helix_ 'Asterisk') is characterized by its rounded starburst-shaped, deeply lobed leaves and vigorous spreading growth. General care for indoor ivy includes planting in a well-draining, slightly acidic potting soil, watering when the top inch of soil is dry, and providing moderate, indirect light to prevent leaf scorching. Many ivy varieties are toxic if ingested, necessitating careful placement away from pets and young children. Propagation is easily achieved through stem cuttings placed in moist potting mix or water, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with others. #IvyPlants #IndoorGardening #HouseplantCare #PlantPropagation #HomeDecor #GreenLiving #LowMaintenancePlants #VariegatedPlants

For individuals residing in apartments, homes with limited outdoor areas, or rental properties, cultivating a traditional vegetable garden often presents a challenge. However, this constraint can be overcome by adopting vertical gardening techniques, allowing for food production even in confined spaces. Horticulturalist Belinda Thackeray, manager of the Sydney City Farm for the City of Sydney's community greening program, emphasizes the significant impact of utilizing vertical space. Her primary advice for aspiring vertical gardeners is to thoroughly assess their available space, particularly focusing on sun exposure. Edible plants generally require a minimum of four hours of sunlight daily, with six hours being ideal. Thackeray also notes that reflective light can contribute to plant growth, and strategically placed plants can mitigate unwanted glare. Urban gardener and content creator Kia Codd, based in Naarm/Melbourne, reinforces the importance of considering long-term sun exposure. She advises anticipating how the sun's path and direction will change throughout the year to ensure consistent light for the plants. When it comes to creating a vertical garden, thorough research is crucial due to the wide array of available options. While DIY solutions using materials like fabric pockets, wooden pallets, and other recycled items are possible, Thackeray suggests that modular systems offer greater longevity and flexibility, allowing for gradual expansion. Plant stands and hanging planters are also effective for maximizing vertical space. For renters, prioritizing easily dismantled and non-permanently fixed systems is recommended. Codd, for instance, created her herb garden using a wire frame that accommodates various planters, providing portability and adaptability to seasonal changes. Regarding plant selection, Thackeray recommends plants with small root systems, which are well-suited for most vertical gardens. Herbs are an excellent choice, as are leafy greens, lettuces, strawberries, and certain types of tomatoes. She also advocates for incorporating flowers among edible plants to attract pollinating insects and enhance aesthetic appeal. Codd adds that larger containers with greater depth broaden planting possibilities, allowing for vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, broccoli, and cauliflower, especially in the lower sections of vertical gardens. She advises checking online resources for specific plant depth requirements and ideal soil conditions. To avoid common vertical gardening mistakes, Codd highlights the importance of using appropriately sized containers and resisting the urge to overcrowd plants, recommending adherence to spacing guidelines. She also cautions against both overwatering and underwatering, noting that vertical gardens can be susceptible to either extreme. Her practice involves watering her herb garden daily in summer and less frequently in other seasons, checking soil moisture with her finger. Thackeray mentions that some vertical systems come with drip-feed watering systems, or gardeners can install their own with tap timers. However, she warns against constantly damp soil, which can foster fungal diseases, and advises preventing pooled or dripping water to avoid staining surfaces. Some systems incorporate drip trays for this purpose, or DIY solutions can be employed. Finally, both experts stress the importance of investing in good, relatively free-draining soil. For seasonal edible plants, Thackeray suggests renewing the soil before replanting or enriching it with compost or fertilizer. #VerticalGardening #UrbanGardening #SmallSpaceGardening #HomeGardening #HerbGarden #VegetableGarden #SustainableLiving #DIYGarden