The custom of decorating houses and churches with Ivy at Christmas was forbidden by one of the early Councils of the Church, on account of its pagan associations, but the custom still remains.
—Mrs. Grieve, The Modern Herbal (1931)
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Ivy's power to cling and to bind was thought by many cultures to be magical, and the plant was associated with the Moon. In England, holly was brought into the house to celebrate the Yule season, but although ivy was one of the Yuletide plants (remember the song, "The Holly and the Ivy"?), it was not allowed inside.
But for most of us, ivy is perfect for holiday decorations. If you start now, you can have an elegant living ivy wreath as a centerpiece for your holiday parties. As you work with this familiar plant, remember that through the centuries, ivy (Hedera helix) has been an important medicinal herb. European healers described ivy leaves as useful in treating intestinal parasites and lowering fever, as well as healing burns. In ancient Greece, ivy leaves were simmered in wine and drunk to reduce intoxication.
To make the wreath, you'll need:
- a wire wreath box frame 16" diameter
- sphagnum moss
- 10-12 ivy plants in 4" containers (there may be several plants in one container)
- potting soil
- slow-release fertilizer pellets
- flexible copper wire
How to do it:
Lay the wreath frame flat, open side up. Soak the sphagnum moss until it is moist. Cover the inside of the frame, pressing the moss against the outside. Remove the ivy plants from the containers and settle them into the frame, spacing equally and tilting the plants slightly to cover the root ball of the adjoining plant. Add potting soil where necessary and sprinkle slow-release fertilizer pellets, following package directions. Wrap the copper wire (it will be nearly invisible) around the frame and between the plants to secure them in place. Lay sphagnum moss between the plants. Keep the wreath moist and shaded, and water when the bottom feels dry. When you bring it indoors, place it on a tray.
You can create living wreaths with many other herbs. Some possibilities: prostrate rosemary, thyme, dwarf nasturtium, mint, hen-and-chicks.
For more all-season wreath ideas:
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