I live in the same area. I would hardly say "we get every kind of weather".

There are several very good plant nurseries in the DC area where you can get
plants. You can even check the local Lowes, Home Depot and Franks for the
cheaper stuff.

You don't want to grow ivy. It will eventually become a pest that is
difficult to eradicate. Look at some of the older houses and you will see
what I mean.

Try Clematis, Scarlet Runner Bean or some other more amenable flowering
vines. You have plenty of time to do your research before plants become
available next spring.


"Eileen" wrote in message
om...
Hello everyone:

I know close to nothing about plants. I have no indoor plants because
of my two cats, one of which eats anything green. Eventually I'll get
some hanging plants they can't reach.

Meanwhile, I do have a patio with vertical iron bars -- I would love
to have plants out there that I wouldn't have to bring in during the
winter, and/or some ivy or vines that would twine itself around the
bars.

I'm in Washington DC, so we get every kind of weather. The patio is
mostly shady.

Any ideas? Thanks!