Ivy/climber advice

Z3 · April 2016

Hi All,

Me and my partner have just moved in to our first property.

The next door neighbours ugly tin fence is an eyesore but as the property is rented, i don't think the landlord will be erecting a new fence anytime soon.

Can anyone advise what kind of ivy/climber would be best to plant based on my following requirements: easy maintenance & will not cause any damage to brickwork if it gets anywhere near the house.

I am a new gardener as you might already guessed!

Cheers

Logan · April 2016

I wouldn't Plant ivy it will get everywhere, if you could put up some support you could plant clematis or roses,all depends on sun or shade

Marinelilium · April 2016

Congratulations and wishing you happiness in your new home.

As tin will heat up on hot days and freeze on winter nights I would suggest planting an evergreen shrub infront but not in contact with the metal. (Attaching to or painting your neighbours fence is actually 'criminal damage' without their landlord's permission).

I would put a shed, gazebo or glasshouse in front if planting is tricky. Otherwise potted bamboos will hide it year round. Posts on your side with a reed screen attached will be a quick fix for this summer.

Guernsey Donkey2 · April 2016

Jasmine is a nice climber with yellow flowers in the winter so adds colour when there is little else in flower. I like Virginia Creeper - a sort of ivy but the leaves turn red in Autumn & is quite attractive and quick growing.

Logan · April 2016

Z3, I didn't mean on the tin fence, put up support standing away from the fence. I agree with the other's

Z3 · April 2016

Thank you all for the responses.

I forgot to mentioned i also wanted a perennial plant that would do the job all year round.

The majority of the fence is in direct sunlight and small patches of shade. There is no soil either to plant as the garden has been slabbed over. Does this mean all plants will not grow on the metal surface?

I did some reading on Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper but they both sounds quite 'risky' in the long term. I like the sound of the jasmine vine but im not sure if this is a better option?

I can appreciate making any changes to the neighbours fence (my right hand side) is illegal but surely this works both ways! in the sense that his garden is overgrown and weeds and vines from his garden are invading mine only because it has not been maintained.

Regards,