Other than my veggie garden I have cut back on plants in recent years. I did however do a couple beds of wildflowers last year to draw in some bees & butterflies and to get rid of some grass yard and replace with natives that need little water.
I see a couple mentions of ivy here and I can only say that it is a very damaging invasive species when it escapes into woodlands. With so many other choices, I recommend just saying no to ivy.
Go for plants native to your area and spread the word to the neighbors that they take less water & care, save money by replacing lawn, attract wildlife, and help the environment in many ways. Give them as gifts.
