Spring is the perfect time to wander along the brick sidewalks of Old Town Alexandria where so many houses bear plaques proclaiming their age or historical significance. A row of tulips sets off a brick wall with the most amazingly disciplined English ivy, cajoled into repeating geometric forms. I admire it with a slight twinge of envy, thinking about the ivy that creeps in my yard, going wherever it wants despite my never ending efforts to eradicate or at least tame it.