Friday, January 13, 2012

Green with... Ivy?


That is the question!

My friends I have a predicament. You see there is ivy growing up the front of our house and although we probably should be ripping it off, it's really growing on me. Get it? Hah, oh me. 

But really... 

Ivy can be SO beautiful on homes.

Whether it's all over....
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Or just a little...
Eric Roth Photography

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This house is actually for sale in Nashville as I type...
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But lets get serious for a minute. We don't live in a little historic cottage or huge English manor. We live in a ranch. BUT we do have a prominent chimney on the front, and boy is it looking good with 
some greenery on it. 

Ok, so now here is the ivy on OUR house... 

It was almost dark outside last night when I took these so sorry for the bad lighting.
corner shot
Of course we need to trim it and ignore our other "landscaping". 


I mean I'm not talking about getting all crazy with it... 

I'm just talking about letting it grow a little bit...
Bee Cottage {via}

But although pretty to look at ivy may not good for our little brick and mortar house. People say they can become an insect haven and worse they could even damage our house and make it difficult to see underlying problems. But they also say is acts as insulation. However, we would need to worry about the vines getting into the joints of the bricks as the moisture could will pull the mortar out.

Hmmmmmm.

What do you think? 
Do the pros (being gorgeous, hello!) outweigh the potential cons?
Ty Larkins {via}
Ty Larkins {via}
If you were us, what would you do? 

18 comments:

  1. Hmm, it's quite a predicament you guys have.

    I feel like, if I were you, I might not keep it because of the damage it could cause and then conceal.
    On the other hand, we have ivy on our house and it looks so pretty. It's been there for years and years and it's not caused any problems.

    I would say, if you're worried it could cause issues, then get rid of it for peace of mind. Otherwise, if you're that in love with the way it looks, keep it for a while and monitor how it's growing/what effect it's having on the bricks.

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  2. I'd get rid of the ivy and plant creeping fig. It grows fairly fast and will not do the damage that ivy will. Just as nice and easy to maintain!

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  3. Well, lets just think about this. English manors have been growing with ivy on them for hundreds of years and they last way longer than our homes do, so maybe it's not that bad? I think in moderation (your picture of the ivy house made me laugh) it'll be fine. You can always cut some out in a unnoticeable location once a year and check to see if there's any visible damage.

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  4. i agree that ivy is so pretty and romantical on houses, BUT i took a historic preservation house in college and i'll never forgot our professor saying that ivy is like the devil when it comes to the preservation of your home. i would get rid of it!

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  5. OK, I love that second house, the one with all the ivy, not so much! I like the ivy on your house look. As for the wines, I have tried Chocolate Box, but I need to try it again. I forgot about it! I haven't tried the beer, but I'll be looking for it. As for my blog, yes, new name, new look...exciting!

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  6. My Dad made us cut off the ivy starting to grow on our house. He said it will be a mess if it gets bad!! But I agree it's pretty :)

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  7. Shucks, I am a sucker for ivy, ridiculously romantical.....

    Love the look, but I would be up all night worrying about damage. Maybe try a nursery, ask for other ivy like options that won't be a headache in the future.


    Xx. Patience

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  8. not sure what to tell you. i don't know anything about plants. maybe you can consult with an expert...

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  9. You had me all the way til "insect haven"...eeeck! Pull it down girl!

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  10. I have ivy growing up the wood siding on my house. I L.O.V.E. it and planted it for that reason. We spray it with insecticide every summer and watch it carefully to make sure it doesn't get too aggressive. Keeping it thin helps.
    Wish I could move to Nashville for that beauty of a cottage.

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  11. I think as long as you keep it under control and let it grow only on the brick it will be cute, charming and distinct.

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  12. I love the look, but it's true it will ruin the brick. Have you thought of taking out the ivy and planting creeping fig instead? It is just as gorgeous and does not damage the brick. Also, it grows a bit slower so once you have it where you like it, it will not make you crazy in trying to contain it. Just a thought! M.

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  13. I love the look, it adds such charm. I had no idea it could be so damaging. I say continue to enjoy it, but keep an eye on it.

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  14. Ivy... it's so charming and I love it on your home! Love it and let it grow! Very cottage like!

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  15. I love the look of ivy on exterior walls no matter the style of the house. It adds a certain richness and lots of curb appeal.

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  16. We have some growing on the side of our ranch as well - we keep a close eye on it and don't let it get out of control, but I like to think it makes our 50's ranch a bit more cottage like??

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  17. I have always dreamed of an ivy covered house as well. I think it is so elegant.. but I too have heard horror stories!

    I say go for it!

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  18. Ooooh I love it! I vote leave it for now!!! You could start having tea every afternoon while you stare at your lovely ivy and pretend you live in an english cottage! Yes? yes!

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