front of house?

[Droflove]

We've recently bought an old farmhouse and the front of it is a blank canvas now. It's pebble dash (boak) but has beautiful large Georgian sash. So we'd like to cover the pebble dash ASAP. Thinking ivy but any other good options? I'd love wisteria but it doesn't cover enough. Also there are empty beds in front if the front walls...any ideas? Looking for low maintenance but pretty/romantic. Roses?

Wisteria takes a long time to grow as far as I know. Ivy can be lovely, but if you want some colour I think you should consider some clematis or jasmine too, they would perk things up a bit. Or actually for an old farmhouse you probably couldn't get more idyllic than a lovely climbing rose.

Are you looking for colour or just all year round greenery?

Ivy is not a good idea.
I agree with wisteria, especially if the house is south or west facing.

Roses would be good for your borders, maybe underplanted with Alchemilla mollis?

Don't plant ivy, you'll live to regret it. It is invasive and over time can become a real problem. I would plant a wisteria somewhere, just because in ten to fifteen years time, if it likes the spot, you'll have the most beautiful display of blooms every year (says she, seven years on and still waiting for a flower). I'd also plant a few climbing roses, I put three iceberg climbers in last year and the growth already is great.