6 ways to use ivy in your garden – Monty Don calls it something 'every gardener should nurture'

Boston ivy growing in a garden border.

Once the bane of gardeners everywhere, ivy garden ideas are rapidly becoming this season's plant du jour – and it's not hard to see why. These evergreen beauties lend themselves beautifully to all of our favourite zen garden ideas.

Ivy is able to thrive in both sun and shade, making it ideal for even notoriously tricky north-facing gardens, and it can tolerate extreme temperature hikes, too, adding some glossy greenery to  our outdoor spaces even in the depths of winter.