Making a green wall from ivy

[Tony K]

Morning

My SB is an L-shaped bungalow which creates an internal courtyard garden. One of the walls facing the garden is exposed blockwork at present. I had been toying with cladding it, but prefer a slightly different idea....

 

I am considering erecting mesh frames onto the wall and growing ivy all over it. 

 

Regarding preventing attachment (or damaging levels of attachment) to the house wall, the RHS says this:

 

Application of two coats of ‘Easy-On’, a clear anti-graffiti, silane-based, nanoparticle paint, was as efficient in preventing attachment. Application of another, petrochemical-based paint, while not completely preventing ivy attachment, significantly weakened it, thus easing ivy management.

 

This advice comes from the attached study. I am investigating the costs of appropriate paints, mesh, etc.

 

The obvious, and pertinent, question is: am I being mad?!

 

 

 

 

 

J-O-L-A-2016-Volume-3-Issue-1-Blanusa(etal).pdf

[JohnMo]

Having an old house last time, the damage caused by ivy can be very bad. I would avoid.  It grows very quickly and will be up the wall in no time, and then in the loft if you don't actively manage.

 

I wouldn't bother. But it's up to you.