It took ages to decide whether to try and keep the old ivy fence/hedge propped up, but really, it was on its last legs. Last week I had all the ivy taken away and a new, strong fence put in. Ivy trunks were the size of my wrist. So now I have a wide, new expanse to grow roses up. I've ordered some Moonlights.
The fencers trashed quite a bit. All the peeking bulbs were trampled, but hopefully it's early enough in the year that they can have another go at emerging. Fennel and valerian tops trod to mud.
Thanks to all the commenters over the year for advice on ivy, fence design, legal implications of boundary work, and company quotes.
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On moving in. Ivy fence/hedge about eight ft tall and three feet wide)
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Summer 2019 (verge of collapse, fence left)
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2020 - starting over. It was expensive but worth it. (About 50 mtrs of fence and trellis in all). It looks bleak now, but hopefully by May, the garden will be back towards photo two.
I liked having my garden flanked by a huge green wall, that offered loads of late season food to pollinators, but we have to recognise when the end of a good thing has arrived. Now very much looking forward to a wall of Moonlight. Fingers crossed. I'm also going to put in a watering system that I hope will be a godsend.
Another plant suggestion would be the winter flowering evergreen clematis 'Freckles' or similar. Ours have had flowers on Xmas Day and bumble bees! It's quite bushy now (abt 8 yrs old) and quite vigorous.
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