brown nests of ivy??
It is the largest house on the block, and the only one that is circled by a high stone wall. An iron gate, hung with brown nests of ivy, give a partial view of the front path and a tiny brown yard, churned mostly to mud.

I would like to know what does "brown ivy" here mean? the ivy is in brown color? And what does " brown yard" mean? Because the yard is mostly covered with mud,so it is brown?? Thanks.

Question

brown nests of ivy??
It is the largest house on the block, and the only one that is circled by a high stone wall. An iron gate, hung with brown nests of ivy, give a partial view of the front path and a tiny brown yard, churned  mostly to mud.

I would like to know what does "brown ivy" here mean? the ivy is in brown color? And what does " brown yard" mean? Because the yard is mostly covered with mud,so it is brown?? Thanks.

Answer

It sounds like a home that is falling into ruin as no one cares for it.  If that is the case, the brown ivy nests are referring to dead ivy in a more poetical form.  Yes, the mud would be brown so the yard has mostly become mud.  Hope that is helpful!