As young folks head off for a new school year, many of them do so in buildings with ivy covered walls. This most collegiate of plants looks gorgeous against a brick building, but it takes some work to maintain. If you're willing to put in the effort, it's worth it, said Patrick Murphy, host of GLT's Grow.
- There's lots of ivy from which to choose from, like the English ivy known as Hedera Helix. It's very traditional and the kind most often seen climbing university buildings.
- Perhaps the best known ivy in the world is the ivy that grows on the back wall of Wrigley Field in Chicago. That's Parthenocissa Tricuspidata a.k.a. Boston Ivy.
- English Ivy is used quite a lot in landscaping because they hold onto their leaves so long, well into winter, often. Plus their autumn color is stunning, a kind of wine hue. That would look stunning against a light colored wall.
- You must manage ivy. Remove it from your wall now and then, leaving the hoof from which the ivy grows fully intact.
- Vines can become home for pests, plus ivy can degrade mortar surfaces if you don't pull it down from time to time.