What can we do with this hillside?

Kaiterz

We have steps along our house going to the backyard and deck.  One side has walls (needing rebuilt) making like flower beds and the other side is nothing but ivy and ugly-ness.  My neighbor, grew up in the house, said every previous owner has just kept it cut down.  I'm wondering if there is anything we can do that would be low maintenance but a little more presentable?  We are in the process of cutting it down and cleaning it up.  Our house is the red brick.

 

Go_Dawgs

If those walls get sun, I would be doing some edible landscaping and planting herbs there.  The herb garden in my yard is super low maintenance and is nice to have.  On the other side I would get rid of the ivy and plant a more attractive ground cover, such as vinca.

~NB~

Go_Dawgs:

I would get rid of the ivy and plant a more attractive ground cover, such as vinca.

Replacing one ugly, invasive weed with another....?

Kaiterz

The area gets sun 1-2 hours a day max. How would you get rid of the ivy?  I heard it's impossible. 

Go_Dawgs

~NB~:

Go_Dawgs:

I would get rid of the ivy and plant a more attractive ground cover, such as vinca.

Replacing one ugly, invasive weed with another....?

IDK, my parents have had vinca in their front yard for nearly 20 years, and it hasn't gone crazy and taken over.  I also think it's pretty.  To each their own  

littlemermaid

If you want low to no maintenance you can first clear out all those vines and rebuild the retaining walls against the steps and then just pour a decorative stone alongside the steps.  Alongside the house it looks like you could make some pretty flower beds there for annuals.