We inherited the ivies that cover most of our south-facing garden wall and, at first, we had mixed feelings about them. The main issue was that ivy wouldn't normally be associated with a gravel garden. But that wasn't the only concern. These are mature, beast-like plants (almost trees!) and require heavy pruning every other year, and we weren't thrilled by the prospect - as you already know, we wanted to keep things simple and 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 weighing up the pros and cons, we concluded that the benefits far outweighed the downsides.
For one thing, the ivies soften the appearance of the rather ugly four-metre-high concrete wall that separates us from our neighbours. Yet they earn their place for reasons that go well beyond looks.
Ivy provides an exceptional habitat for wildlife and is known to support at least 50 different species of animals, including bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths, birds, beetles and spiders. A recent study by the Royal Horticultural Society also found that green façades, particularly those covered in ivy, can help reduce pollution, buffer the effects of wind and cool the surrounding air.
Over the years, we've also seen first-hand how valuable ivy flowers and berries can be for wildlife late in the season, when food sources become scarce. In early and mid-autumn, our ivy wall literally buzzes with pollinators. We've also found that the denser the growth and cover, the greater the abundance of wildlife it supports.
Finally, because they grow at the edges of the garden, away from the main sightlines
, we no longer feel they interfere too much with the gravel character of the garden.
They've literally grown on us. How could they not? Beauty and biodiversity. Style and substance.
Every spring, our garden welcomes scores of Holly Blue butterflies while pollinators flock to the flowers and birds feast on the berries throughout winter. We can see and hear countless invertebrates using the ivy for shelter and protection. What more can we say?
Our ivies are here to stay.
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