I'm berry fond of you

Holly-a symbol of eternal life-thrives throughout even the harshest of winters, says Lia Leendertz, as she explains how to make the most of its scarlet-red berries when decorating your home for Christmas

- Lia Leendertz

ALL summer, we have barely noticed holly. Dark leaved and producing tiny white flowers, it takes a background role in summer gardens and parks, a foil to other more flashy plants, patiently waiting for its moment. However, as the leaves around it begin to turn and fall, holly steps into the limelight. It looks impossibly glossy for the time of year, shiny and green among all of the beige and brown fading away of autumn and winter, its leaves dramatically edged in silver or gold, its berries deep blood red, golden orange or even yellow, begging to be cut and made into a Christmas wreath.