Homes covered in vines

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It was good enough for Madeline.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/26/realestate/greenwich-village-streetscapes-ivy-reviled-admired-and-lately-imitated.html?_r=0


"The extensive Oxford research indicates that the shade and rain protection provided by ivy creates a microclimate that moderates temperature change and the humidity fluctuation of a wall, with a corresponding decrease in freeze-thaw damage and the migration of salts within the masonry. Ivy was also found to reduce the attacks of airborne pollutants on surfaces."

Well, all I know is that it was removed from all the Harvard buildings when I was at the law school because the ivy was ripping out grout from the buildings in Harvard yard. A shame, really, but had to be done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hate it. All I can think is that they are probably causing structural damage.

Depends on the type of vine and the material of the supporting structure.

[Anonymous]

Asian varieties of wisteria are particularly damaging. We just had a ton removed that destroyed parts of our deck. Broke my heart but had to be done.

Will replace with a hybrid called Amethyst Falls, which we also grew, which was much kinder.