COMBAT THOSE TRICKY CLIMBERS

Parts of our house are clad with Parthenocissus henryana. I love the beautifully marked, purple-red and silver foliage and autumn colours of this Chinese Virginia creeper, pictured.

But I hate the way it runs out of control. If you have similar wall plants — ivies and Japanese honeysuckle — take drastic action now. I use a hooked knife to sever stems and tug away from the wall. Check your eaves too, easily reached by vigorous climbers.