Question
I am trying to grow a creeping fig on a old painted brick wall. It is taking a long time to become established. Should I stick with the creeping fig or go for a boston ivy?

Thank you.

Answer
Greetings, Carol!
Small world - I used to live in Melbourne as a child before I moved back to the Washington, DC area.  Had a chance to go back a couple of years ago, and it is just as beautiful as I remembered, and the people are so warm and friendly.  But I digress.
A creeping fig!  I have only attempted one, and it has struggled over the years because of our unpredictable cycles of freezes and thaws.  
Here is what I know: creeping figs (Ficus pumila) like consistently moist soil. One sure way to stunt the growth of this vine is to let it dry out repeatedly between waterings/rain. On the other hand, the soil should be well-drained, to avoid root-rot. So, it's kind of high-maintenance in that regard.  And while it is marketed as a "sun loving vine," it actually does better (in my opinion) if it's offered a bit of shade at some point during the day.  Frosts will do this plant in; I seem to recall that Victoria doesn't have too many actual hard freezes, though, so my bet is that your vine just needs either a bit more sunshine, or a spot of fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to give it a little jumpstart. Work a bit of compost/soil amendment into the area around the roots.  We have products here called "Bumper Crop" and "Leaf-Gro" which provide terrific nutrients.  Not sure what's available Down Under. Other than that, I must say that creeping figs love a nice warm brick wall - for you, that would be northern exposure as an ideal position. Keep me posted, please, if you like.  I'd be interested in the outcome.