The poor English holly (Ilex latifolia) has a bad reputation for being an invasive species. Described as “highly invasive” and a “serious threat” to other more desirable native species of plants. In my many travels around Washington state I’ve seen massive bushes that stand like trees. So large and wide they become a hedge. But mine is one small plant and I really like it. Hollies remind me of Christmas. For now, I’ve relocated it when I cut back the Japanese maple over-shadowing it. This is part of a project to beautify a walkway. One more note on the holly; before I knew it was an invasive species I took some cuttings from this plant. These cuttings are in pots and I believe have rooted successfully. I could be wrong, but I believe they’re finally thriving.

I cut back the maple, holly, and ferns because they encroach too much on the concrete walkway. I want the full width of walkway for visitors and to re-make the vegetation along the path starting with begonias, an annual that will start the process.