Holly (Ilex) growing on Ingleside Lane. The species has a very interesting and varied history – this is just one aspect:

From: http://www.treesforlife.org.uk/forest/mythfolk/holly.html

“Holly trees were traditionally known for protection from lightning strikes, to which end they were planted near a house.

In European mythology, holly was associated with thunder gods such as Thor and Taranis.

We now know that the spines on the distinctively-shaped holly leaves can act as miniature lightning conductors, thereby protecting the tree and other nearby objects. Modern science occasionally catches up with an explanation for what may previously have been dismissed as superstitious lore!”