We had some very English weather for most of last week and rain at its end, so now everything is very, very green. And of course it is mid-June, not mid-July or -August, so that’s just the way it should be: lush. My garden is just about to move into its overgrown phase, so I’m going to spend the day trying to tame it, but first a few pictures. There is nothing I like better than an ivy-covered “feral house”: here is my favorite and on my way to the Post Office yesterday I discovered another one. This little brick building has been vacant (at least on its first floor) for quite a few years, and now its entire back–and chimney–are wearing green. It was a funny day–one minute it rained, and then the sun popped out for twenty minutes or so; it was humid and then almost chilly. I was running around town taking “now” pictures for several upcoming posts and an exhibit on the Great Salem Fire (fast approaching its centennial anniversary), but I stopped along the way to take some pictures of green wherever I found it: on this little building, in Forest River Park, just walking along the sidewalk, in a beautiful Federal Street garden, and in my own backyard.
June 15th, 2014 at 8:43 am
I just love it when buildings get covered in ivy, it is such a Forgiving look! c
June 15th, 2014 at 9:05 am
I know–apparently it’s not particularly good for buildings but they sure look cool.
June 15th, 2014 at 9:10 am
True, bet some of these hideous new buildings that are only destined to stay standing for ten years would look better with a good dose of ivy!
June 15th, 2014 at 8:43 am
I love the green, we waited a long time for it! We were at a yard sale on Chestnut Street yesterday and I thought of you, lots of older history related books that you would enjoy. I hope you got there too!
June 15th, 2014 at 9:03 am
After cleaning out my basement and attic for several weeks I was determined to avoid it–I’m sure I missed out but you can only collect so much stuff!
June 15th, 2014 at 5:26 pm
I’ve heard different arguments about ivy on brick buildings — that it digs into the bricks and, more so, the mortar, causing them to crumble, from moisture as well as the plant; or that it actually helps hold the building together and protects it from erosion.