The UNDERESTIMATED ivy Autumn is in full swing but there is at least one plant that is in full
bloom. Not spectacular to look at, yet ivy is an important source of nectar for bees, moths,
flies and wasps, and while they are not most people’s favourite insects, they all play a vital
part in Nature’s jigsaw.
Ivy produces flowers from September to November. Spherical clusters of greenish yellow
blobs, which on closer inspection have endearing little horns with knobs on! The resulting
fruits are dark berries with ridged sections, resembling tiny black footballs each containing
five seeds. Poisonous for us, but birds love them.
Ivy is one of the few native climbing plants that can reach a substantial size. Contrary to
popular belief, it is not a parasite. Its stems have lots of fibrous, adhesive-covered, roots
which cling to buildings, brickwork, trees, telegraph poles, in fact just about anything to help
it gain some height. However, when it comes to nourishment, that comes via the roots in
the ground. [There’s not much nutritional value in a brick.]
Although ivy does not normally damage sound buildings or walls, and is rarely a threat to
healthy trees, its weight can cause problems. What a useful plant it can be! Providing
shelter, hibernation and nesting sites for birds and insects, its glossy green leaves are
happily munched by sheep, goats and deer.
These leaves, so familiar, are different shapes according to whether they are on flowering or
growing branches. The flowers are surrounded by heart- or spear-shaped leaves, while the
rest of the plant has the three- or five-pointed ones we all recognise. Many legends involve
ivy. But has anyone discovered why although mentioned in the first line of the carol ‘The
Holly and the Ivy’, it is absent from the rest of the verses?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
For Advent/Christmas, that is the month of December from 1st - 25th, we are having on the blog a type of Advent calendar which is to be called "Through a Window." It can be any sort of window from your home or shed, or caravan or ruin - literally anything and on the windowsill something which speaks of Advent or Christmas, so some ivy or holly, a candle, a mince pie, some bunting, stocking or presents etc. It can be as literal or abstract as you wish but may be explain it if it isn't clear. It can be taken looking inwards or outwards and can be lit if you wish. I am hoping lots of friends/ blog followers will have a go and submit the photos to me (Rhian) via email rhianprime1960@gmail.com by 29th November 2020 at the latest please. If you give your photo a title (eg The Holly and the Ivy or White Christmas), and if you wish can explain its significance, quote from Scripture or a Christmas carol. Then I will put them up so we can all enjoy them one day at a time with some suitable music.
As in the above photo which my son, James took on holiday, the window can be quite simple, but please try and include part of the window frame so we all know it is through a window.
I don't mind if I end up with more than twenty five entries, so feel free have a go or ask the Grandchildren, share with friends and neighbours. The more the merrier! It doesn't need to be religious, just something seasonal that will help to spread some seasonal cheer in our communities, but of course can focus on what Christmas is all about too.
I am hoping these will go out to the community hubs too as a way of us all waiting for the Christ Child's coming amongst us.
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