English ivy is considered a noxious weed in the northwest. You should find out if it is considered similarly in Virginia.

The vines send out nasty little roots that will cling to, and eventually chew up masonry. I even saw an ivy vine at a friend's house in Arlington, Virginia that had penetrated a window frame and continued growing merrily along inside the house. It will spread anywhere it can, and around here ivy will eventually kill shrubs and trees if not removed.

Please consider anything other than English ivy. Perhaps a cotoneaster that will climb up/drape over the wall. Or a less invasive ivy. Anything.

I hate English ivy.