It may be three years before it takes hold, but then it will grow to 50 feet or longer, in the shade or direct sun, up vertical surfaces – rocky, smooth, or otherwise, and it is nearly impossible to kill due to its waxy complexion and a phenomenal resistance to toxins.
Should you somehow manage to force it to an untimely death, chances are it will come back to life with renewed vigor on perfectly dead foliage – daring you to even think of attempting to kill it ever again.
The U.K. has dealt with this beast longer than anyone on the planet, and I have spent hours seeking the advice of their best assassins:
Chop the roots down as far as you can with pruning knives, axes, pruning-saws, or whatever you have handy, and then try to pull up or dig up as much of the root system as you can. If you do this thoroughly enough then you may kill the ivy plant completely. . . GOOD LUCK!
Eradication efforts are greatly improved in winter when the ivy is dormant – not it’s most attractive side, although losing its thick, summer foliage also forces it to give up hidden treasures, including dozens of bricks, toys, a spoon, plate, pot, hammer, rake, a hand spade, full-size ladder, a little Coca-Cola bottle, garden planter, a fair amount of trash, and two wrought iron wall planters. . . so far.
May 2015 and October 2015: in-progress
The Fartlek 
You all are categorically MORE ambitious when it comes to renovating, furnishing and gardening than we are! And you have vision! Mike was telling me the other day how he admires you for your skill and delight in finding ‘buys’ that are just right for what you want to outfit your homes!
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You’re too kind! I think there’s less vision, and more blind luck!! See you soon.
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