Ivies

This is an illustrated guide to varieties, cultivation and care, with step-by-step instructions and over 150 inspiring photographs. It is a full photographic directory of over 50 varieties of ivy, such as 'Ambrosia', 'Buttercup', 'Goldheart', 'Kolibri', 'Merion Beauty', 'Romanze' and 'Silver King'. For each variety, full botanical information is provided on leaf characteristics, growth, spread and size. It offers practical step-by-step photographic guidance on cultivating and caring for ivies, including training tree ivies, making topiary shapes, planting hanging baskets and window boxes, and propagating ivies with cuttings. Ivy has an ancient history and has been used for decorative, symbolic and medicinal purposes. Hardy and versatile, it will often prosper where other plants fail. The wide range of leaf shapes, types of variegation, shades of green and ability to climb and trail make it ideal for any garden. This book shows how ivy can be used for a multitude of gardening purposes, from providing excellent ground and wall cover to being trained into topiary shapes and used in containers.A fully illustrated directory covers 50 beautiful varieties within the Hedera genus, each demonstrating the understated charm of this hardy and accommodating plant.