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Wall defender

[Glen][Glen] Posts: 76
in Garden design

My problem is that there are no obstacles between a cul-de-sac and a bare windowless wall of my house. Even the footpath and road are at the same level, and this makes my wall a ripe target for ball practice.

I have a "cunning plan" to deploy a climber such as Parthenocissus quinquefolia. The plant would be rooted just around the corner on a different wall, and then trained to grow across the exposed side wall.

However, several websites suggest this is unwise. There is apparently risk of damaging the house. Is there a safe way to defend my house wall from both plant roots and ball games?

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,434

    I would use berberis.

  • raisingirlraisingirl Posts: 7,008

    Or pyracantha

    “It's still magic even if you know how it's done.” 
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,840

    Pyracantha.  Evergreen, spring blossom, autumn fruit, great for wildlife form insects to birds for food and shelter and, above all, thorny.  Can be trained along a wall on wires and will not damage foundations or mortar or bricks.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • IamweedyIamweedy Posts: 1,364

    Pyracantha it might be more likely to puncture balls as it's thorns are stronger than on berberis..




    'You must have some bread with it me duck!'

  • pansyfacepansyface Posts: 22,714

    NAIL A FEW OF THESE TO THE WALL

    http://www.cactus-products.com/product/cactus-fence-wall-spikes-pack-of-30-cat-deterrent-spikes/

    APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO CAN'T FOLLOW A LINK.

    Apophthegm -  a big word for a small thought.
    If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
  • [Glen][Glen] Posts: 76

    Thank you all. The aim is to prevent easy access to my house wall without inflicting a measurable financial loss on children by puncturing their toys.

    For its benefit to animals I am now looking at Pyracantha 'Flava' - hopefully a larger variety?

    RHS suggests to plant at least 20" from the wall to avoid dry areas. Would it be a problem if planting Pyracantha within 10" of the house and providing it with water?

    Last edited: 12 October 2016 16:42:34

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,840

    Not if you prepare the hole well and are scrupulous about watering.  The problem with proximity to walls is first of all teh rain shadow means the roots will be too dry and secondly the bricks in the foundations will absorb moisture too but it should be fine if you can keep it watered regularly for at least the first couple of years while it gets its roots established.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
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