Wotjek

	Wildlife Welcomer --- Variegated Ground Ivy also knows as Glechoma hederacea, Creeping Charlie or Field Balm.	Ground Ivy is a pretty creeping and mat forming, trailing evergreen. It has small flowers in deep blue, or sometimes pink or white. The leaves are hairy yet dainty with serrated edges and a variegated pattern of white blotches on a green background. When the leaves are gently crushed they produce a herby fragrance.  --- Did you know? This is not a true Ivy. It is actually a member of the mint ‘family’.  You can tell this because it has square shaped stems, just like mint. In some parts of America it is considered to be an invasive weed. It has extensive roots so can be difficult to eradicate. It was once known as ‘Alehoof’ because it was used to flavour beer and ale before the use of Hops was in common use.
	Robust and Reliable --- Variegated Holly also known as Ilex	Holly is brilliant winter evergreen. Many of us associate Holly with Christmas. Look for prickly, shiny leathery dark green and yellow leaves nestling small bright red berries. Young Holly has the prickles. The leaves of older Holly are smooth and less spikey. Holly provides good shelter for birds and hedgehogs. Mistle thrushes will fiercely guard Holly trees to prevent other birds from eating the berries.  --- Did you know? In Christianity Holly is a symbol of Christ’s crown of thorns. The red berries are a symbol of his blood and the evergreen leaves represent life after death. In folklore Holly was also seen as a fertility symbol and a deterrent against witches. It was considered unlucky to cut down a Holly tree. Holly berries are toxic and must not be ingested.

Now that you have finished your tour you may wish to enjoy the hospitality of the excellent selection of cafes and shops in Duns Market Square. You can also enjoy our five annual planters decorated in the traditional Duns colours of black and red. We are aiming to move towards sustainable planting. However there is certainly still room for an annual splash of colour with annual bedding plants. They always raise many compliments and a smile and enable us to adapt our colour schemes to reflect seasonal celebratory events.

Disclaimer

Our plants are grown for ornamental purposes only.  We do not advise touching or ingesting any parts of the plants on the Duns Flowerbed Trail. Many plants can be an irritant or toxic when smelt, ingested or touched. All the ‘Did you know?’ information about alternative plant use is provided for educational interest only.