Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is linked to Xmas because its blood-red berries and spiked leaves are reminiscent of Christ's crucifixion and crown of thorns. It is also likely that Holly was used as a house decoration in pre-Christian times in Europe during the leafless and flowerless Winter season.

Holly is an evergreen with waxy leaves that resist water loss when the soil is frozen in Winter. This is why it does not wither when brought indoors as a Xmas decoration. Holly leaves are spiked to discourage animals like deer from grazing on them, a necessary defence as in Winter it is one of the few broad leaved trees to have foliage. Leaves that form higher up the tree out reach of animals do not have spikes. (How does the tree know when its leaves are out of reach? Ask a Teacher!)

Holly trees are either male or female and although both bear white flowers in May only females produce berries. These usually ripen by October although in some years no berries are produced. Birds like Thrushes, Wood Pigeons and Starlings feed on the berries and the seeds pass through spreading the tree. Holly trees grow up to 40 feet tall and can live to 80 years. The wood is white and burns well even when freshly cut as does the green foliage.

Ivy (Hedera helix) was said in legend to have magical powers and at Xmas would keep houses safe from demons. It is an evergreen climber and uses other plants, trees and buildings solely for support. Ivy is common in Britain's woodlands and the young plant has 5-lobed glossy leaves that resist water loss. The plant spreads across the forest floor until it reaches a tree or rock when it climbs upwards using a natural cement to attach itself. Once it reaches a height of 40-50 feet the leaves change to oval shaped and without lobes.

Ivy produces greenish-yellow flowers in October and purple-black berries that ripen in early Spring and are eaten by birds who scatter the small hard seeds. The main stem of an Ivy can grow up to 3 inches in diameter and the plant can live up to 100 years.

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