Beneficial Insects / Conservation / Container Gardens / Evergreen Perennials / Fairy Gardening / Garden Design / Garden Maintenance / Gardening on the Wild Side: Working in Harmony with Nature / Heirloom plants / Holiday Plants / Invasive Plants / Poisonous Plants / Tree Care / Wildlife Gardening

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In Defense of Ivy

  Ivy:  Hero or Villain? English ivy, celebrated in hymns and carols, rich in history and tradition, may be among the most hated of ‘imported’ plants for some American gardeners.  Native plant enthusiasts may call ivy a ‘noxious weed.’  And now, thanks to a new state law, HB 1941, which will go into effect in Virginia in January of 2027, horticultural retailers will be required to label ivy as an invasive plant and suggest alternatives whenever it is sold directly...