Yard - my initial question presupposed that, since I don't remember reading anything in English sources about dire effects on trees etc., there must be some reason for that in terms of something different there than here (e.g. pests of some sort or other unidentified conditions...) It was probably misleading of me to use the word garden when I was interested in the bigger picture also - although I did also wonder about it in gardens too... (Bahia and Ink's input helped answer that question, as well as a recent post on GW that included comments from an English gardener on controlling ivy in the garden - she does much the same things as I do to control the ivy coming from my neighbours...) It just occurred to me to check the RHS web site re ivy. Interesting... While this doesn't explain why the ivy would be more damaging in areas of North America, it's interesting to see the English perspective on it: "Just how harmful is ivy? Here are some facts that will help you decide; - Ivy growing on trees is often thought to be a serious problem, endangering the health of even very large trees. However, its presence on the trunk is not damaging and where it grows into the crowns this is usually only because the trees are already in decline or are diseased and slowly dying - If the branch canopy becomes thin and allows sufficient light to enter, the ivy will develop into its arboreal form. Fraxinus (ash), a naturally thin, open-crowned tree may suffer heavy infestation, and for this reason ivy on ash trees is often controlled - When trees grown for their stem or bark, such as birch and some acers, keep the stems or trunks free from ivy - On other trees, ivy can be allowed to grow on the trunk, although one problem with very old or damaged trees is that the ivy may hide cavities which, in time, could gradually enlarge and possibly affect stability - Ivy is not a parasite; the short, root-like growths which form along climbing stems are for support only. Its own root system below ground supplies it with water and nutrients and is unlikely to be strongly competitive with the trees on which it is growing - Ivy has much wildlife value. As ground cover in woodland, ivy greatly lessens the effect of frost, enabling birds and woodland creatures to forage in leaf litter during bitter spells. Growing on trees, it provides hiding, roosting, hibernating and nesting places for various animals, birds and insects (including butterflies), particularly during the winter months and in areas where there are few other evergreens. Note: If you are concerned about an old or diseased tree, always seek professional advice from an arboriculturist or tree surgeon." Their recommendation on how to control it when it is an unwanted groundcover and you don't want to use chemicals: "Dig up all stems and woody roots. This may be difficult on heavy soils or where vegetation is very dense. Where the site is not needed for planting, an alternative control method is to clear away all top growth before laying weed-control fabric and a 10-15cm (4-6in) deep layer of bark mulch. Leave in place for at least two growing seasons." I would bet that a big part of the problem here is likely due to the greater presence of evergreen conifers here that are not evolved to live with evergreen vines. I'm not sure about the PNW, but most forest vines here are deciduous, so are likely less stressful on the trees when they climb on an evergreen conifer. And I wonder if the local bird populations have developed a strong preference for this 'exotic' food source... :-) Note that the RHS info only seems to be talking about deciduous trees and makes reference to ivy having value particularly in the absence of evergreen trees. So I think the the difference in the type of trees in forests between here and there is very much likely to be a key factor in how ivy performs in the environment here relative to there.

It wasn't deleted. It was there all the time. You were just looking at a page from your computer cache. In the future all you have to do is refresh your page and you can see it.

Miguel, last summer was an awful year, even worse than the previous 2 years of drought. The constant heat, drought, and humidity, along with the surreal earwig infestation felt like I was living in a hell. I couldn't even get a black-eyed susan vine to flourish in a pot. My garden didn't grow much last year either; it must have been as stressed as I was. This year is so different. The early spring days were warmish and sunny, the evenings were cool, even close to freezing some nights, and we had ample soil moisture from the snows in winter. It wasn't raining much then, but the soil was very workable once it thawed. Then it started raining and the garden exploded almost as if it was making up for lost time. Whenever I look at my garden now I am in awe at the contrast. Regardless, no annual flowers, no cruising nurseries, and especially no pots on the deck waiting to be planted. After so much maintenance last year, I want a more relaxing summer this year.

Yes, your understanding about 'Duc de Bragance' tallies with my experience: purple/violet, sweet/spicy, scent varies. The sun is hard on the blossoms. Mine, fortunately, gets a lot of dappled shade. He grows in a peculiar fashion all his own, long and tall and kind of wispy--in truth, not the most attractive of plants. And, more on the not-so-good side, rather prone to fungal adventures. As with the growth, so with the blooming: Peculiar: Periods of scattered bloom. But the color is remarkable and smooth, and the form is delightful. In my earlier post, I had forgotten to mention my favorite HP, the foundling 'Jay's Crimson Hudson', which I couldn't do without; and the sort-of HP 'Erinnerung an Brod', which is OK but only a once-bloomer for me, and a rather awkward plant. Still, it grows, it blooms. Of HPs, I also have an 'Amedee Philibert', but haven't quite decided about her merits.