We inherited the ivies that cover most of our south-facing garden wall and, at first we had mixed feelings about them. The main trouble was that, technically, ivies wouldn’t usually be found in a gravel garden. But it wasn't just that. They are mature, beast-like plants (almost trees!) and require heavy pruning every other year. That put us off. As you already know it, we wanted to keep it simple, low-maintenance.
The ivies were so overgrown that they stuck out almost 2 metres from the wall.
After we had the ivies pruned, we could finally see the rocks which were completely covered beforehand.
But after putting the pros and cons in the balance, the conclusion was the benefits outweighed the downsides by a large margin.
First off, the ivies soften up the ugly concrete 4 metre-wall that separates us from our neighbours.
But it's not only about looks, they also provide a great habitat for wildlife. It’s known to support at least 50 different species of animals, including bees, hover flies, butterflies, moths, birds, beetles and spiders. On the same note, “Green façades”, and specially ivies, as shown by a recent RHS study, reduce pollution, the impact of the wind as well as helping cool the air
Over the years, we could also confirm that their flowers and berries are a great source of nutrients for wildlife late in the year, when there’s not much else around. Our ivy wall literally buzz with pollinators in early and mid-Autumn. And the greater the depth and cover, the more abundance of wildlife.
Finally, because they are at the edges, away from them main views, we now feel they don't mess too much with the gravel style of our garden.
They’ve literally grown on us. How could they not? Looks and Biodiversity. Style and Substance.
Our garden is visited by several dozens of Holly Blue Butterflies in Spring, pollinators love its flowers. Birds flock to eat its berries throughout Winter and we can literally see and hear many invertebrates seeking them out for shelter.
What can we say other than our ivies are here to stay!
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