Question
Hi.  Thanks in advance for your knowledge and time.  I live in Pittsburgh, PA (northeastern United States).  I don't know much about landscaping.  We built a retaining wall on both sides of our driveway and I don't like the look of it now.  The color of the stone ended up clashing with our house when it was all said and done.  I think what will ultimately save the look of our home is to plant something on top of the retaining wall that will trail down and (for the most part one day) cover it.  Our house has a rustic brick/cottage look to it.  I was thinking maybe some type of ivy but I really don't know what type.  Aside from trailing down over the wall, I really don't want it to go too far the other way, as our yard begins to slope up and I don't want the entire yard being overrun with ivy (or whatever I end up planting).  So would I have to "train" the ivy to go down the wall?  FYI I really don't need something with colorful flowers as I would prefer that whatever we end up using look good for the most part of our 4 seasons.  Any help you can offer would be GREATLY appreciated.

Sincerely,

Sarah

Answer
Hi Sarah

Yes, ivy is probably the wisest choice but I would look at a few other plants too.

Take a look at Rhynchospernum jasmoinoides as this has evergreen foliage, it drapes and has perfumed flowers in the summer but it can't stand heavy frosts.

Otherwise take a look at Jasminum nudiflorum, again evergreen but with yellow flowers in spring. Take a look at the variegated ivy varieties such as 'colchica'.

The best of luck and thanks for any bonus points in advance.

Kind regards

Jonathan Radford www.ecologicagardens.com