Ep. 233 Deck the halls with holly: Growing and enjoying Ilex spp. | #GoodGrowing

Holly isn’t just a festive decoration; it’s a plant with a rich history that can be incorporated into almost any garden. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we explore the fascinating world of holly (Ilex spp.), from its cultural significance in ancient traditions to its role in modern landscapes. Learn about different species, tips for planting and care, how to ensure those iconic red berries appear, and even some surprising uses for holly. Whether you’re decking the halls or planning your garden, this episode has everything you need to know about this holiday favorite.  Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ymwu5eIsyaw Skip to what you want to know:    00:37 - Welcome, Ken. Talking holly this week.  01:47 – Holly mythology  05:10 - General growing conditions and care of holly  07:47 - Holly are dioecious, what does that mean? How does that affect pollination and fruit production?  13:21 – Pruning hollies  16:19 – Holly species (some)    17:28 - Ilex glabra – Inkberry    22:26 - Ilex crenata - Japanese holly    26:06 - Ilex decidua – Possumhaw    28:07 - Ilex verticilata – Winterberry    31:39 - Ilex x meserve - Blue holly    35:05 - Ilex aquifolium - English holly    36:58 - Ilex opaca - American holly    41:00 - Ilex cornuta - Chinese holly      42:56 – ‘Nellie Stevens’      45:59 – Ilex cornuta ‘Burford’  47:17 – Holly and wildlife  50:11 – Tea made from holly and a taste test  58:09 – Holly and deer and rabbits  59:06 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Contact us! Chris Enroth: [email protected] Johnson: [email protected]  Check out the Good Growing Blog: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingSubscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https://go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of these products or companies.  Barnyard Bash: freesfx.co.uk --You can find us on most podcast platforms.  iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-growing/id1446630377     Tunein - https://tunein.com/podcasts/Gardening/Good-Growing-p1187964/  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/202u3siWExE1tTqrVgtmCR    Vurbl - https://vurbl.com/station/good-growing-4pljnNlUtyG/    Listen notes - https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/good-growing-chris-enroth-cHLPMWpvEOG/    Ivy - https://ivy.fm/podcast/good-growing-167902    Castbox - https://castbox.fm/channel/Good-Growing-id4302614?country=us