"adm" wrote in message
news:2008042012050416807-adm1@fastmailfm...
Dear All,

I am in the process of erecting an 8 foot high concrete post and panel
wall between my house and the nearby road. Once it's complete, it will
need something to cover it completely as it's not particularly attractive.
I was originally thinking of covering it with closeboard fencing, but then
thought that Ivy or a similar wall climber might look a lot nicer.

The wall runs approximately north to south, the east facing side is
towards the road, but is hidden from the road by a 14 foot high beech
hedge. The westward side faces the house, but the house shades it from the
sun. It does get a bit of sun each day, but is predominantly shady. There
is about 10 feet between the house and the wall, and the area is brick
paved. I intend to take about 1 sq. foot of the brick paving out at the
bottom centre of each fence bay (10 bays, each 6 foot wide) so that I can
root a plant into soil. The soil in the area is mainly clay, although
curiously, we seem to have a fairly decent loam in our garden.

So - what varieties of Ivy would fairly quickly cover the entire wall and
look good? Or is there a similar climber I should think about. Ideally, I
want something that is fully self supporting so I dont have to string any
support wires. I would like it to reach the 8 foot top of the fence, but
then would prune it from going any further otherwise it would interfere
with the top of the beech hedge.

Any ideas? Also, if I go with Ivy, once it is established, could I plant a
climbing Rose with each Ivy plant and let the Rose climb through the Ivy?

All opinions gratefully recieved.

Thanks,


Alasdair

It can be very aggressive but if you get a slower growing bi-coloured one it
will not only cover your eyesore but will be manageable and pleasing to look
at. 'Goldheart' is slower growing than common ivy but still grows quickly
and to its credit lights up a dark corner. I have a white and green one
which is small leaved and very slow growing but I don't know the type. I
suggest you consult an ivy specialist, there are many types.

Mary