Hubby and I have been working very hard to remove large areas (approx. 1000 sq ft) of english ivy in the front yard. The area is very dry from large tree roots and is located at the top of a slope. These areas are also in full sun, part sun and full shade. Ivy is amazing in that it flourishes under such varied conditions!
The key word is flourishes! It fills up our drainage ditches which traps leaves and other debris. So, when it rains heavily, the ditches overflow rainwater right into our garage. It's a disatrous mess. So the ivy has had to go. I first just tried pulling it out of the ground. I could only do so much at a time (from the back aches and hand cramps). It's so agressive that I just could never get a good jump on it.
Several applications of weed/grass killer failed. But, a total of 3 applications of brush killer mixed with something to help it stick to the leaves finally did the trick. The ivy is very brown and drying up. . . getting the vines up and the roots out is still back breaking work. Hubby has tried a rototiller with limited success.
Some variegated vinca was mixed with the ivy. Another invasive bully will have to go.
What will be replacing the ivy? First, after a soil test . . . we need nitrogen and lots of organic matter. Then goes in a thick layer of mulch. I've got to get the soil improved or there's no chance of improving the dryness issue. What plants will go in? I don't know yet . . . I've got to get the soil right first.
It's one of the major lessons I've learned over the past 3 years in the house. Great soil makes great plants. Soil must come first! Soil may not be exciting, but it's still facinating to me. AND it's crucial to the health and vitality of your garden. First things first.
Go get your hands muddy! It's rained steadily all day today. Finally.
One Response to “Ivy Entanglements”
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August 27th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Great job, Jean. I tangled with that ivy myself and lost the battle.