I think it would look better on the chain link.

I have one that's finally ready to leap after latching onto one of my 80' oaks this spring after 3 years of planting for that express purpose.

I have a huge Norway Maple that I would love it to grow up but Steve said it probably would not thrive. To his point, one of the two that I have to relocate is under the canopy of the NM -- a good 15' away or more and after two years it is still not thriving. One I have planted on my chimney that gets a good amount of sun is doing splendidly.

I can't find much info on growing them on the ground but this may be my only option.

Why not keep one on the chimney and one on the fence. Consider getting an 8 foot pressure treated pole or 6 by 6", sink it 3' in the ground, and grow it up that.

Just don't forget the maintenance issues of growing it on the chimney. Is it masonry in good repair?

I think the masonary is OK. We bought the house 2yrs ago and had everything inspected. On the other hand, my house is over 100yrs old -- as is the chimney most liekly.

I have 3 climbing hydrangeas and the one on the chimey will remain there. As for the other two, I am now thinking of growing one on a 20' pergola that we are building this Spring and the other on my swing -- one of those wooden swings for two that hangs from a wood frame. Good idea or bad?

I know the vine on the chimney will look great but consider the roots will widen any cracks in the mortar (which is the strength of a brick structure) and also add weight to it (which can cause stress cracks). One symptom of things gone wrong is water damage inside the house.
Also, if the brick needs to be repointed in the future, the vine will have to come down.
Not to rain on your parade or be patronizing - just a buyer beware warning. (I use to be involved with this kind of repair).

Well, I will hope for the best. I really want the hydrangea on the chimney.

I don't blame you. It will look great.

I was wondering , where did you find your climbing hydrangea?
I want one to plant on my back fence. I asked my nursery guy and he said that he has them once but they were exspencive.I did ask him to call me if he got any in.

I'll have a few varieties of climbing hydrangea at the swap.

I bought mine at Home Depot. I've also seen them at Lowes.

Thanks --- Sugar.

I will see if thay have any.