Just uploaded a new tutorial, it covers how to create a Greek "Ionic" column, creating/applying a marble texture to it. Then it goes over creating the vines/ivy by using the curves function along with the "shrinkwrap" modifier, and the "tree from curves" script.

http://www.blender101.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=63:greekivy&catid=34:modeling&Itemid=58

http://www.blender101.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48:greekivy&catid=34:modeling&Itemid=58