Privacy issue??? - April 8th, 2004 at 03:34 PM
Hi everyone...I have an issue I need suggestions for. My husband & I just bought a new "old" house this past winter. It is open on both sides & fenced with a short stone knee-wall at the back property line. The wall actually belongs to the neighbor behind us. Ok, this is my issue. Both of my neighbors to the left & right of my yard have VERY manicured landscaping in their yards. They are both minimalists to say the least too. I am talking 3 perfectly cone shapped hedges at the door & perfect grass & nothing else in the one guys yard. The other family has 2 topiaries at their door & one pot with tulips on the steps to their home. Other than that, nothing. Ok, I have no problem with clean-cut yards...that isn't the issue. My issue is that I am one of those cottage gardeners. I like to have more garden than lawn (I hate to mow & am not much of a fan of grass). This season I have started to put in many raised beds, a grden pond, a HUGE herb garden, many gardens within my garden. All tasteful in my opinion & quite beautiful once everything starts blooming I am sure. I love the whole shabby chic look & it is reflected in my gardening & landscaping style. Granted I have kept most of the grass in my front lawn & have built only 2 tasteful raised beds with low growers & roses out front. Now my issue kicks in...my neighbors have been doing nothing but complain about my yard & have been shooting me with daggers in their eyes as they see me across their yards. I ma under the impression that I have broken up the "cookie cutter" look to the street & it is really pis**ng them off. I do not want to make enemies here since I am the new kid on the block, but I do not want to live without my passion for gardens either. Do I just ignore them & go on about my way with my gardening, or should I put up privacy hedges around the sides of my property? Fencing is not doable for us, we have already pushed our budget to its limit buying the house. If hedges be the answer, what grows fast, tall & wide? And I do mean fast, I am tired of the dirty looks being shot my way & need privacy asap. By the way, the guy behind us with the stone wall has complimented my yard many times, says he loves the colors & variations:) Many passersby have said good things too...it's just these neighbors who appear to hate me. Thanks for your suggestions:) Chrissy