The Holly And The Ivy

Day 61: I would not even consider cutting a live tree for Christmas, not even if I didn't have a curious Cat, but as for the Holly and the Ivy, I encourage you to cut, cut, cut to your heart's content. Saw through the largest trunks of ivy close to the ground. Remove a one-foot section. Quite possibly, you'll have saved a tree's life. Pick the berry-bearing branches of the Holly, as many as you like. The birds have plenty else to eat, and you'll slow the spread by eliminating their seed-rich eliminations. The Holly and the Ivy may be celebrated in song, but they are not welcome in our woods.

Invasives On Holiday

Day 60: Ah, yes. Revised somewhat from last year's effort, I give you my new and improved version of this traditional holiday carol:

The holly and the ivy,
Both as invasives cursed!
Of all the shrubbery in our woods,
These two are just the worst.
Oh, the rising of the sap
And spreading of the seeds!
A little dash of 2, 4, 5-T
Is what this problem needs
(Is what this problem needs)!

You may of course substitute "Agent Orange" for "2, 4, 5-T" if you can't get the scansion right. Or use your own choice of herbicide, although it may not be quite as effective in the field or lyrically.