In addition, fishing line can be strung between clips to create a vine-like look on the wall. Compared to wood or tile, though, they can be pretty difficult to stick things to. Choose a freestanding wall or a building made of stone, brick or concrete block. How best can I encourage the ivy to grow? As the ivy grows and sends out new shoots these shoots will develop aerial roots that will attach themselves to the brick. Brick walls are strong, stately and good insulators. Rather than simply using a glue-like substance to attach itself to vertical surfaces, ivy uses a complex, energy-efficient system to anchor itself onto house fronts, tree bark and rocks. I can dangle string or a net from the top of the wall, and also erect something from the ground up, but I can't (am not allowed) drill any holes in the wall. Just keep building it up and moving the ivy up. Hanging Greenery Vines on Brick Walls. English ivy can climb up almost anything, from the trunks of enormous trees to the smooth walls of houses. Ivy, with its strong attachment to walls, can be a worry to homeowners, concerned about whether it might damage wall surfaces or block gutters. First of all, almost all English Ivy will climb a brick wall if given a chance. If you can put in a nail and wrap it around it. Brick clips are an excellent tool for hanging larger foliage pieces and florals on a brick wall. What do you suggest? A: Your question is a good one and I am happy to try and give you a good answer. In temperate climates, wisteria will go wild (keep it in check with frequent pruning). Ivies and creeping fig (pumila) will create a flat green backdrop if you keep them in check (cut them back to avoid redundant layering). 1. Thanks in advance! The walls of the garage have now been sorted and most of my Ivy is still intact but lying on the ground as I had to carefully "peel" it off the wall. How to Plant a Creeping Fig to Cover a Building. The most common method for attaching something to a brick wall is to drill into the brick itself and insert a hanger. Consider Non-Attaching Vines: Another solution is to plant vines that don’t attach directly to the masonry. A charming climber with small, heart-shaped leaves, creeping fig (Ficus pumila) will cover unsightly cement, stucco or brick buildings. Once it realizes it should climb it will soar Otherwise Lattis on the brick works well too. We have tried to get ivy to grow up our wall, but it appears that the wall is too smooth and vertical. Boston ivy and Virginia creeper are popular choices for older buildings, since their adhesive suckers don’t attach quite as aggressively as English ivy. The Ivy is about 12 years old and still only maybe 3ft high so not a thug at all. In warmer climates bougainvillea and jasmine will add color and fragrance to a fence or wall. They also provide an anchor point to suspend Oasis cages or attach greenery. Growing ivy or other climbers up a building wall can, however, have many benefits; vegetative cover can insulate and cool the building, trap pollutants and attenuate noise. Once it starts getting a little longer, use something to attach it to the wall.