Any fall or Christmas ivy DIY ideas?

Question

Hello everyone.We have this ivy in our yard that grows like crazy. I have to cut it back every year (sometimes twice) so it doesn't take over the entire pool area.Do any of you have some fantastic suggestions for Fall or Christmas ivy decorations? I'm also curious about preserving it for future use. I would love to be able to use the ivy for crafts instead of just throwing it away.Thanks in advance. Colleen :)

Snapoutofit · Answer

I am guessing that this is the hardy fast-growing English ivy. You can use it in swags or floral arrangements. if you tear out the ivy now but still not ready to use it, you can preserve it in a moist poleythylene bag and store in fridgerator. There are steps to follow first and here is the link: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/preserve-fresh-cut-english-ivy-101127.html

Ellis · Answer

It's difficult to tell without a close-up of the leaves, but does this ivy turn red in fall, and drop leaves?  If so, it might be either Boston Ivy (parthenocissus tricuspidata) or Virginia Creeper (parthenocissus quinquefolia).  Check a garden website's photos to be sure.  Both are vigorous growers, and can be quite invasive, to say the least. But that gorgeous fall color is priceless.

4554290 · Answer

Thanks so much.  I'm thinking maybe topiaries for my urns for the front porch.  Will check out that website.

Sophia,M.,McConnery · Answer

You are asking how to preserve the cuttings?Just let them dry out and spray liquid plastic on them.Then you can use them for anything,any time of year,and they are easy to clean!

Ese8934807 · Answer

You can do what I did I  let some dry out and frame it, I love taking plants from my  flower  garden an frame them, I also have  a lot of ivy  get  some flower pots any size an sell it , do you know the price of  ivy plants in stores, money made.

Ag Castor · Answer

If you do all these things you'll need a couple of refrigerators to store it, LOL. How about calling some local charities or houses of worship or Scout groups to come and harvest as much as they want for their holiday wreath sales? Win all around-- you get your ivy trimmed, they get free materials, and everybody's happy.
As to having too much of it, consider identifying the main trunks growing where you want them, and clip-and-dip the others to kill them. Or cover them with landscaper's cloth so they cant grow out anymore.

Carolyn Donegan Medaris · Answer

I once had the same problem then I hung 2 grapevine wreaths in the ivy and as it grew I wrapped it around the wreaths. At Christmas I simply cut the vine holding the wreaths and I had 2 ivy wreaths to hang on the front doors.

Jeannine · Answer

I lay Christmas lights all over my ivy and it looks great for the4th of July ,Halloween, Christmas or birthdays

Flo · Answer

I weave baskets out of ivy, it is a beautiful material to work with. You can leave some small leaves on for a more rustic look. I didn't treat them with anything, as long as the ivy is dry to begin with they will last years. (3 and counting) So I guess you could make lots of nice storage boxes or something that would be used/given/swapped etc. Weaving it is actually remarkably easy once you get the hang of it, and very relaxing

Christy Roppel · Answer

Use a coat hanger as a frame (rounded out with a stake- put in a planter box) and make topiaries....put white lights and a red bow for Christmas!

4554290 · Answer

Thanks for all the wonderful answers.  I read the advice, looked up some You Tube videos, searched Hometalk for some ideas and made this Christmas tree.  I have to add a little more grapevine to the top, otherwise, I'm very pleased with the end result and would like to make a few more and put in urns outside by the front door.  It's relatively inexpensive - just a tomato cage, florist's wire and a Dollar Store star.  Now, if only my carpal tunnel would cooperate!  Slow but sure wins the race.  Thank you all once again for sharing your wisdom.

Dustin · Answer

Hi, I found these great projects on Hometalk that can be achieved using the ivy in your yard.

You could add some colorful lights so they become beautiful Christmas ivy decorations!

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/windows-doors/windows/diy-window-valance-a-life-unfolding-44507674

https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/an-ivy-filled-birdcage-for-part-shade-16782806

Redcatcec · Answer

Take a look here for a fall ivy decoration:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3237030958224052/

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Any fall or Christmas ivy DIY ideas?

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