Ivy

Ivy (Hedera) - H. helix is the most beautiful evergreen climber of our northern and temperate world, and is a noble garden plant that may be used in many ways. The common Ivy of the woods is familiar to all, but its many beautiful varieties are not so often seen. All are not of the same vigorous habit, as will easily be seen by cultivating a collection; but the rich, self, green-leaved kinds are usually as free and as hardy as the wild plant. Although there are many varieties, there are only two accepted species—the Australian, that is confined to the continent of Australia; and Hedera helix, which is found wild in the British Isles, and spreads over Europe, reaching into N. Africa and C. Asia. It is under our English Ivy that the large number of forms in cultivation are classed. Although there are only two species, we can classify the Ivies in several groups, after the variation in the leaves. If we want Ivies in their fullest beauty, it is necessary to pay some attention to position, soil, and training. This applies to all kinds, but especially to the more delicate varieties. Ordinary garden soil will grow the Ivy well, and the strong growers will thrive in ordinary soil. It is better to plant choice kinds as edgings to a bed of shrubs, or permit them to clamber over a root-stump, arbour, or form a pyramid of them, where they will be less exposed to the full force of wind than if they were stiffly trained on walls. The spring months are the most suitable for planting Ivy, but it may be planted any time. A word should be said for Tree Ivies, which make fine bushes in the garden, and may be associated with other shrubs in beds. Healthy plants make dense rounded heads of foliage, relieved during the blooming season with many flowers. By far the most important Ivies, however, are the green-leaved forms—many, various, and nearly all beautiful in form. Whatever kinds among these we may prefer, a fuller and more graceful use of the Ivy in or near the flower garden and its surroundings is desirable.