Open Plan Gardens
lynn6
Posts: 5
I am at my wit's end. I am a owner occupier and have a front garden that is 'open plan'. The deed to our house states that we cannot erect any walls to enclose the front garden. That is where the problem lies. The general public see my front lawn as a 'short cut' and constantly walk across my front lawn, throw their rubbish on my front lawn, let their children ride their bikes on my front lawn etc etc.
It is so depressing when I try constantly to keep my garden looking neat and tidy. It is also the cost involved replacing and repairing damage that is constantly being done to my private property. I have spoken to the local council only to be met with 'sorry, but there is not a lot we can do about it', to parents and children, to which the response is apologies or 'what do you expect me to do about it.!!!
Any ideas or suggestions would be gratefully received.
Posts
We did try that thanks, but the children picked the flowers and the postman just stepped over/through it.!
Thanks for making me laugh out loud. If you saw our postman the very thought of him 'hurdling' over our flower bed would be a sight for sore eyes, as an athlete is something this postie is not hahahahaha. Have you got any suggestions as to what spiky plants might grow in semi shade and well draining soil, and that are also postie and childproof?
Berberis lynn. The plummy varieties are deciduous but can get to a decent shape and size as a specimen type plant. Many of the green leaved ones are evergreen but are better as back of border shrubs or hedging.
I know the problem only too well
You're lucky you got apologies. I just get abuse.
PS if there's damage it's a criminal offence. Get some hard evidence and call the police.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Make your flower bed deep enough so that it more difficult to skip over than to walk around. I would also add some height to make it more of a barrier. If that doesn't work I'd be tempted to buy a sprinkler and drown postie.
I agree with Fairy, but she's kinder than me I'd stick Pyracantha all around your border, it isn't a wall
I reported a postman last year after he ran right through my garden and jumped over the boundary fence to save going down the neighbour's path. I had a similar issue many years ago when one climbed over the low fence between me and the neighbour, trampling the bulbs and perennials. Don't think he did it after I planted the jaggy berberis there
Still deciding whether to report the one yesterday who opened my front door to put a parcel in....
Can you erect a small 'fence' just round the planting lynn? Even if it's just some small posts and wire. If anyone objects you can say it's to protect the expensive shrubs you've planted while they grow.
Don't think I'm kinder than you KEF...this type of thing makes my blood boil though
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
It's trespass and possibly criminal damage so think about getting a surveillance camera. Plant spiky roses, pyracantha or hawthorn as single or mixed hedges. If you have an outside tap handy, get a water scarecrow which has a motion sensor and sprays passing critters - usually used for keeping cats, foxes and badgers off gardens but would work with people too if you can target it on your garden and aim it away from the path to your door.
Lynn you have my sympathies like Fairy it also makes my blood boil. You save and buy your own home, and are so proud and people start, in my view trespassing
At our first house we were open plan and people were happy to let their pets use our front as a toilet. These were people who lived on our estate. Due to the turf being on builder's rubble and us not intending on staying I didn't plant in the front. Just spent ages in the front window watching for culprits.
Once upon a time, many moons ago
you wouldn't dream of even walking across someone's garden.
Hope you get it sorted, as your garden should be a happy not stressful place.