"Mary Fisher" wrote in message
t...

"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.

I am growing 'Paddy's Pride' or Sulphurheart it may also be known as, it
took a couple of years to get going but it has large leaves with yellow
patches, that's quite nice.

I also have a green/white variegated variety climbing a fence, that has
taken maybe two or three years to get to the top, 6', in a shady area.

I did also see a variety called buttercup I think, small, butter yellow
leaves ( Anchor butter anyway :0). That is quite different and may well be
slow growing as it may not use the light effeciently.

You may have to send away for the ivy of your choice. Try mixing yellow
ivies with variegated ones perhaps?

Andy.