Uses for holly

[jonahjonah]

Hi all,

I've recently cut down a couple of holly bushes. They're currently intact, hovering on the edge of the plot. I was wondering if there is anything particularly useful to do with the spiny leaves. Are they best chucked into the compost or can I mulch with them? I would appreciate any ideas.

Thanks!

[nickdub]

I used to mix spikey things up in with the pea seeds when I sowed them, to stop mice eating them. Can be used on top of seed beds too, if you have a problem with cats sunbathing on them :-)

Trying to compost them is going to be a long term plan, unless you have access to a shredder. I suppose they make a good base for a large compost heap to allow free movement of air - I wouldn't mix them in with other types of material though, I'd use them as a bottom layer.

[jonahjonah]

Thanks. I don't really want to compost them for that reason.

Might pop them on the beds as we do have several cats who frequent the site. They leave me alone for the moment, but I'll soon have a fair amount of exposed soil when I plant out.

[DannyK]

Nailed some to tree trunk beneath nest boxes to deter cats.

[veggiechicken]

Apparently you can put some in mole tunnels to deter the moles. The thought of a little blind mole stabbing his nose on a holly prickle is a step too far for me and I can't do it.
Personally, I chuck or burn all the holly prunings. A dry holly leaf is so vicious that I don't want them lurking, waiting to leap out and stab me.
Hate the stuff.

[jonahjonah]

Nailed some to tree trunk beneath nest boxes to deter cats.

I like it. Gives me the idea that it's a physical barrier and an implied threat at the same time.

[jonahjonah]

Apparently you can put some in mole tunnels to deter the moles. The thought of a little blind mole stabbing his nose on a holly prickle is a step too far for me and I can't do it.
Personally, I chuck or burn all the holly prunings. A dry holly leaf is so vicious that I don't want them lurking, waiting to leap out and stab me.
Hate the stuff.

I'll have to be careful if I do spread it over the beds. My gloves are probably perforated by brambles already

I feel the same way about some of the squirrel deterrents I've read about. I get so mad that they dig up everything at the house, but...

[ESBkevin]

I've spread them on flower beds at home along with blackberry brambles to deter cats.

Otherwise shred and mix with grass cuttings for a long term compost mix or dry them and burn for some potash.

[rary]

Again spread over soil to deter cats etc. if you don't want to do that put them in to water to allow them to rot, or simply bin them, not recommended for a home compost heap

[nickdub]

BTW some stock will eat holly quite readily - that's one reason that many hedges contain holly trees, as it was used or provide green food for animals in winter. So if you know anyone with a horse, donkey or goats and the holly is still fresh ....

[jonahjonah]

Sadly, my friends are donkey-free (ahem). Excellent tip though.

I'm digging-obsessed at the moment, but my holly is hanging around waiting to be snipped into short lengths for scattering.

I'll consider rotting down excess bits. Thanks!