Planting a climber half a foot away from small conrete wall?
By Kurlakid
West Yorkshire,
United Kingdom 
Planting a climber within 1 foot from small conrete wall?
Hello, I have planted 5 varieties of Hedera Helix to create a hedge/screen on a 21 feet trellis fence for my front garden. The trellis is raised against a small 2 feet tall conrete wall that existed as my front garden boundary. My lawn extends very near to the trellis/wall fence, just over 1 foot away from the fence wall. So I had to plant the climbers say about half a foot away from my trellis fence.
My Neighbor says that sooner the roots might hit the conrete base of the wall and the plants might have a problem. He also said that one should always plant atleast a foot away from the wall. But I have a lawn at foot's distance.
When I planted them, I had dug about 3 quarters of a foot deep and mixed compost with the soil, filled it up, added a bit of bonemeal and and then planted the climbers. When I digged the whole I didn't hit the concrete base.
Do you think I should replant them a foot away from the wall/trellis fence? If you think I should replant then could you give me an advice on what's the best way to dig out the planted plants without damagaing or disturbing the roots?
Thanks
Sam.
16 Jul, 2010
Answers
Thanks Bamboo for answering another of my questions.
I have just planted them yesterday, so would keep an eye on them.
In case I decide to move would you please advise me how to do so without damaging roots?
Thanks
Sam
Leeds, W Yorkshire
16 Jul, 2010
If you only planted them yesterday, there's no problem, the roots will still be contained in the rootball as you put them in. Just don't put the fork through the rootballs when you take them out. If you can keep them well watered till autumn, when the weather gets cold and damp, I think they'll be fine where they are - they'll put out roots under your lawn and under the wall and under the pavement outside eventually to get their water supply, tough old things, ivies.
16 Jul, 2010
Brilliant. That is a relief. I will keep them well watered.
Thanks ever so much for your advice.
Regards,
Sam
16 Jul, 2010
I once saw a programme(Goeff Hamilton I think)were he had no chioce to plant near a dry wall,he put plenty of organic manure in because of the location,I think it was a climber but it thrived
16 Jul, 2010
Your neighbour is right, but the reason for planting climbers, or anything at all, a foot to 18 inches away from a wall or fence behind is because its a very dry place to be. However, as its Hedera, it'll probably romp away without any trouble, so unless you've already noticed they're not thriving, I wouldn't worry too much. If it were any other climber like clematis or a rose, for instance, I'd be saying move them.
16 Jul, 2010