It's usually around September until my English Ivy starts looking decent.
And
then winter's just around the corner.
The ivy takes a pretty good hit every winter. Is there anyway to protect
it? I
think someone mentioned covering it with burlap.
Is this the only way to protect it?

I can't say as I've ever had to "protect" English Ivy and I'm in Z6A. It's
about as hardy as it gets -- unless you're upwards of Z2 or Z3, I'd be
surprised if the cold was the issue. Two things come to mind in keeping
English Ivy -- proper fertilization and remembering to give 'im water during
the winter if it's a bit dry.

James