Question
hi long island gardener~  i have a bit of a hill from the street down into my front yard and it's killing me to mow it!!  i also have some out of control ivy growing in and on the back of my garage into my back yard.   can i just take some of that ivy and stick it in the front hill?  i'm a very lazy lawner and would like the easiest, fastest, nicest solution.  it makes sense to me since this ivy has a mind of her own. thanks for any and all help you can give me!
have a good one!  jill

Answer
Jill, Sometimes the simplest solution is the most sensible, most practical, best answer.

Ivy is a perfectly legitimate groundcover and it is obviously very happy in your neighborhood.  Planting a group of these will almost certainly guarantee a thick, lush, beautiful section of property that needs no mowing, no fertilizing and almost no care whatsoever, leaving you more time to do more things to the rest of your lawn.  Any professional landscaper would tell you it's a great idea.

Outline the ivy area with a garden hose.  Have a landscaper edge the area and plant ivy a foot away from the border to allow for growth.  Make sure the border is curved and gentle; avoid geometric shapes - circles and straight edges, and aim for ovals and soft curves.

I recommend you take photos and keep a before/after file.

One warning:  Ivy can be unbelievably aggressive.  Don't let it ruin your life after it becomes established in its own neck of the woods.  Keep it totally under control with monthly pruning once it has filled in.  Keep it away from the house and any shingles near the garage etc.

Sounds awesome.