I live in a part of California that is Sunset Zone 15. I have a plot
of English Ivy ground cover that measures about 450 square feet. Most
of my plot gets too much sun in the summer, causing it to burn. I
want to screen the plot during mid-day, but how? Is there a fabric
sheeting I could lay on top of the plants? What a hassle that will
be. Any recommendations? Perhaps I could shade it with Italian
Cypress, but that would really alter the landscape.

Will extra watering protect English Ivy from the ravages of the
California sun? I am thinking of installing a drip system, but there
are so many types of drip emitters, and I don't know much about that.

(active805) in
om:

I live in a part of California that is Sunset Zone 15.

i live i z15 too. it is nothing like a desert (another poster suggested
so)


I have a plot
of English Ivy ground cover that measures about 450 square feet. Most
of my plot gets too much sun in the summer, causing it to burn. I
want to screen the plot during mid-day, but how? Is there a fabric
sheeting I could lay on top of the plants? What a hassle that will
be. Any recommendations?

you're best off beginning to replace sunnier (sufering) areas with
something that likes sun. also ivy seems to 'incited to riot' by nearby
shrubs.

can i assume you are on flat ground? clay?

Perhaps I could shade it with Italian
Cypress, but that would really alter the landscape.

gleditsia provide filtered/bright shade. also albizia.

Will extra watering protect English Ivy from the ravages of the
California sun?

yes. also sifting organic mulch into it.

I am thinking of installing a drip system, but there
are so many types of drip emitters, and I don't know much about that.

slow precipitation rate sprinklers are best for flat clay. but any rate
is ok if you have faster draining soil.(sandy is an extreme)