Stealing holly (from the birds) and storing it until xmas, tips?

Bernice101 wrote: »

Hello



I’ve cut some holly sprigs with berries for xmas. I findthey usually look somewhat withered up close come xmas, when we stick the endsin the ground, in garden, and cover with black palatine to prevent birds attack. Currently they are in a darkish shed (ends) stuckin a bucket of water.. And yes, beforesomeone points it out we are “stealing” from the birds. However I find it a more peaceful crimetowards them than shooting them out of the sky. No offences to fowlers intended, but think of it from those beautifulduck’s point of view, living by a peaceful pond, and then one day dogs comealong and “BOOM”. We are such horrid creatures aren’t we? I suppose its nature and survival of thefittest, but I think we should not be using mechanical devices, its just notfair play.
Anyway, any tips on the holly would be appreciated.

Merci

Holly in berry is indeed beautiful and a great seasonal decoration, but there is a difference between removing holly from wild sources than from your garden. The more holly berries are removed from the wild, the more it is going to impact on birdlife. It is a very valuable food source in winter for many birds and the more it is removed the greater the threat to bird welfare. Is it the same as shooting? Well for starters killing anything for pleasure is wrong, shooting duck for the table is one thing but removing a food source from the wild for use as a decoration is well at least questionable, but I would draw a line there. If you wish to use holly, why not plant it in your garden (Ilex Nelly Stevens is a great variety to choose). At least then you are generating probably your own supply and any surplus will be enjoyed by the blackbirds etc. Alternatively you could also grow Pyracantha (choice of red or yellow berries).