I would like to grow Boston ivy on the side of my house and wonder if the aluminum siding will provide a rough enough surface for the ivy to cling to.

?Christine Millar, Riverview, NB

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) has little disk-like suckers at the end of its tendrils that enable it to climb just about anything including aluminum siding. Beware though. It is very vigorous and, given a tiny crack, can lift your roof shingles and invade your gutters. If you ever change your mind about this vine, you?ll have a difficult time removing it. Better to grow it on a trellis several inches away from the house so you still cover the wall but can take it down if necessary.

?Marjorie Harris, Editor at Large