Ivy on the other hand can be damaged by severe weather during the winter. Pachysandra is as tough as nails and can be an excellent ground cover. It can also be the most invasive pain in the butt you could ever put in your yard. My opinion about these types of ground covers is that they are great to use in large shady areas in your yard, or along the edge of a wood line. But I do not like to see them in the foundation plantings around your home.
Most people like to see color in their landscapes.
In order to have and appreciate color you have to have contrast. Ground covers in foundation plantings eliminate that necessary contrast. Everything blends together and just becomes a sea of varying shades of green. I, and most homeowners appreciate dark brown mulch instead of ground cover because all the plants in the garden will contrast well against dark brown mulch. Many experts will disagree with me in this area, but I have spent 25 years consulting with homeowners, I know what effect the average person is looking for, but it's still a personal preference, and it is your home.