Question
Hi Tom:  Is there an ivy that I could plant next to my solid brick house, so it would climb up the side?  I've heard that there is one that would climb and not damage the brick and mortar. Thank You.

Answer
Hi Ann,
Thanx for your question. Ivy doesn't normally harm brick or mortar unless the mortar is already unsound.  Most damage is done when ivy grows into wooden parts of the wall such as windows.  That's why you must closely maintain ivy when allowing it to grow on brick walls and houses.  This means annual pruning and removal of dead and dying material to keep the ivy from becoming unruly. Anywhere there is a crack, the ivy can penetrate it but it generally cannot create its own crack so, ivy can be okay for the walls and it can damage walls that are already unsound.  I hope this helps.
Tom