148/365: Hacked!


When I went out yesterday morning, this is what I saw.  Somebody has cut back the shrubs in my front garden and not done a particularly good job of it - it looks awful.  I know it was overhanging the pavement and that it will grow again but I'm upset that the person who did this didn't bother to ask if I wanted it done.  I think it was my neighbours as their hedging has also been trimmed and if it was them, then I'm sure they were only trying to be helpful but it has upset me.  It's difficult to know how to approach it without causing an argument, which I obviously don't want, but I do want people to respect my boundaries and leave my property alone. 
 
I was talking about it with my sister and BIL last night.  I'd planned in the long term to remove this shrub anyway - it is overgrown and blocks the light to the kitchen window, it has been neglected and the area is full of weeds. The plan now is to clear the entire area as soon as possible and replant in such a way that the boundary is clearly identified.  We're thinking of marking the line with a lavender hedge which can continue along the front of the house under the windows and then infill with a combination of white and blue/purple flowering plants and bulbs.  Thinking of having one larger specimen plant but need to make sure I get one of the non-invasive varieties.  I'm looking for a white flowering shrub, no more that 2.5m x 2.5m maximum size, that keeps a good shape and doesn't send out runners or reseed itself, requires minimum pruning. This area gets the morning sun.  Any ideas, please? 

Comments

  1. Oh that is a shame, I can see why you are upset about it. It wouldn't of hurt to ask first. Sorry no suggestions re the new shrub. x

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  2. That's awful. Especially if they think they were doing you a favor! The shrub you have looks like euonymus. I'm not sure what shrubs will work in your growing zone, but there are varieties of viburnum and lilac that have white flowers. I have a shrub I love called cotoneaster - this also comes in many varieties, some spreading and some upright like mine.It is very hardy, but it only has tiny (insignificant)pink flowers in the spring, and pretty berries along the branches in the fall.

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  3. Whatever you choose will require some control, even lavender. If it overhangs your neighbours property they are legally allowed to cut it back to the boundary line as long as they give you the pieces. It's not worth losing a good relationship over a few plants though is it? I would go ahead with the removal, making sure that the neighbours know what you are doing and then enlist their help by asking them to let you know immediately your shrubs start to be a nuisance

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    Replies
    1. Unfortunately it wasn't overhanging their property and they didn't return the pieces they removed so they've fallen foul of the law on two counts. Not that I want to take that route. The new design for this area will not encroach across the boundary at all so there shouldn't be a problem in the future.

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