Ledbury Focus September 2019 Ledbury Focus September 2019 v2 | Page 13

your climbing plants. In winter lightly mulch around the base of climbers as you would any other plant to replenish nutrients. In the right place English Ivy can be a beneficial plant, but in the wrong place it can quickly take over and begin to become troublesome. English Ivy in the right setting such as on an old ruin can give a dramatic and ageing look. However, it will find its way into any available cracks that contain moisture and can begin to wreak havoc with brick work, sometimes growing all the way through a wall and lifting the cap stones. If the structure is very sound, then growing ivy up it may be alright. Other vines like Boston Ivy are less invasive, but must still be monitored. They also trap moisture against any buildings they are planted against. Climbers are generally best grown over structures such as trellis, arbours, old ruins, follies and pergolas that can be sacrificed to the plants if necessary. Climbing plants are also a wonderful way to attract wildlife to the garden. They provide habitat in which birds such as robins and blackbirds can place their nests. Pollinators love the flowers they produce, and often they also produce fruit which provides food for birds. One of the best sources of nectar in late summer for bees and hoverflies is English Ivy, so if you can find somewhere for it in the garden you will be doing nature a real favour. Ivy in particular, but also other climbers, shelter numerous species of Ledbury Focus insect. English Ivy is the food plant for insects such as the swallowtail moth and the holly blue butterfly. Espalier Pyracantha is also extremely beneficial for wildlife, providing a safe hiding place for birds behind its protective wall of thorns. For anyone interested in Foliation looking at any aspects of your garden from hard to soft landscaping, small to big projects please contact me on the numbers below Jonathan Bishop, Foliation Ltd 44 Lakeside, Newent, Gloucestershire GL18 1SZ Office Telephone & Fax: [phone] email [email protected] www.foliation.co.uk Follow me on Twitter @JonBishop15 13