My blue holly (I. x meserveae), a variety called China Boy, is growing into a handsome shrub.

But two hollies by our front door have grown so much this year, they are blocking the entry.

Certain herbs had virtue against them-Bina had grown rowan and holly, ivy and fearnot.

Holdenhurst is recorded in the Domesday Book as Holeest suggesting an etymology of Old English holegn meaning "holly "and hyrst meaning "grove, wood", giving a meaning of "wood where holly (Ilex aquifolium) grows.

Our native common holly is not in the least fussy about soil and grows on everything from acid loams to chalk, and species from China and the Himalayas are equally hardy and reliable.

On one side, we have a shady, sandy area, where holly and rhododendrons are growing, and there is plenty of space to plant.

The native American holly (Ilex opaca) grows wild throughout southern New England.

This holly has a compact habit and grows fast.

The hemlock and the holly grew lush here in late October.