IS BEING A NEIGHBOUR A DYING ART

I love messing about in my front garden one reason being the dog can't ruin it so I can plant what I like and it doesn't have to be in a container and two I love talking to all the neighbours most of them are quite elderly but still spry enough to be doing their gardens I get quite a few come over to compare how their plants are doing against mine we do a lot of plant swapping and have a chat I have a daughter in the army so we even compare war stories then and now, sometimes I help do the heavier or higher chores they can't get to
but the best bit is the years of knowledge they have on tap on every subject including gardening you just cant buy that can you!

 

I share your thoughts on front gardens. Unfortunately I inherited a Car stand but have clawed back a nice border, which I tend with pride. My hate is people who think that a nice piece of garden is a shortcut and tread on my emerging bulbs, or simply trample my low shrubs Maybe a Berberis will sort them out.

 

I know what you mean woo most of my neighbours have been here about fifty odd years and remember the houses being built,and know each other kids growing up together etc Ive been here a mere three years but like you I'm not shy either but it was just a nod here and there until I started work on the front garden then they started talking I think the love of growing just spans the generation gap wonderfully we do have a very friendly rivalry going as well mainly in the summer for who can produce the best display.

 

You know, I lived in a block of flats in Essex for 24 years. In one flat close by there was a couple. She was a teacher. For the whole of that time I made myself call out good day to her whenever we passed but narry a word I got in return. Then hubby joined the residents association and, being on it too, I was suddenly their bestest friend!

People are much more friendly up here in the North East - sadly, it's me, after all my years of 'training' down south, who finds it hard to be friendly. But I do try!

 

I am lucky in a way we have a very friendly neighbourhood although we are not in and out of each others houses we do speak and say 'hello'

it is good to talk

 

I've been lucky - grew up in a quiet little street where we all knew each other, married and had kids, living in anlother little street, where the mums all sat out on the front walls watching the kids playing, and the little old ladies came out to join us and chat (no tending gardens possible, as there weren't any......)

Then down south, we did have a garden, and got to know everyone going past at the weekend (working during the week makes that impossible then :( ) and now up in a little cul de sac, all the negihbours are very friendly - one even works with me! :D

I think it's a two-way thing - but if you, as a newcomer to a place, make the effort to be pleasant and friendly, you'll find the same in return, and some people will become closer friends, others won't.

 

Most of my neighbours came in when the estate was built 20 years ago. With my original next door neighbour we just used to think it normal to cut the lawn in front of the two semis. If you are going cut your own you might as well go right across in front of both.Right!
Anyway they moved and we got new neighbours. They were courteous enough but first thing they did was cut off the branch of the acer that went over the hedge. Did not upset me but I thought it was most odd. He was most surprised when I cut the front lawn across both gardens, he was n't from round here, but then neither am I- I do think they thought they were a cut above the rest of us. Anyway they have moved on and we now have local boy, Barry and his family. Down to earth and heart of gold. Always ready to help. He would cut the back lawn if I was in trouble I am sure.
For the last few years the people at the end have invited everyone round at Christmas. This year we did it cause they were ill. Getting half the neighbourhood crammed in your front room does develop a community spirit.
With the front garden I have been told not to do too much by the wife. I once had a fantastic display of pinks on the front. I had raised them from cuttings. Some toe rag came in the night and stole them. Not from my neighbourhood though. If my neighbours had caught them I am sure they would have strung them up.

 

at one time we used to have hanging baskets nicked but where we are now baskets are still hanging. my neighbour puts grease on the hanging basket chains,thick black stuff. :D

 

Here in our quiet cul-de-sac(even though it is called an Avenue) everyone is friendly and a group of us even take turns to host a drink and nibbles evening...mostly drinks,I must admit :D
And any occasion is celebrated with a street party which goes on well into the early hours..Some folk have even been known to be out all night!
Yep!..I have to say..this is a nice place to live and without exception our neighbours are good people..gardeners or otherwise ..young and the not so

 

I live in a small village, down a road that seems to be seperate from the rest of the village! Its like living in a small hamlet - quite a mix of folk, youngish and oldish and we all speak but are not in each others pockets.
I love doing the front garden in the better weather, lots of people stop and chat, mostly walking dogs down the lane. Some dont want to say much and others chat for a while - just right!

 

we live in a cul de sac and the people around us are good some times to good when your trying to get something done they seem to always want to chat for ages :D

 

Having just moved 7 weeks ago, I was a bit wary about neighbours after recent problems in our old place, I neednt have worried, my immediate neighbour [after we had been in 2 days] came round with a bunch of flowers, & welcomed us to the village, now thats what I call a good neighbour.
Also with Bob in & out of hospital 3 times since we moved, she has been so concerned & invited me in for a cuppa & a chat.
Turns out we have similar tastes, & she loves gardening!
I am going to like it here, just need Bob,s health to improve & I think I am in Gods pocket.
Jackie&Bob

 

All the best, Jackie! It's nice to have friendly neighbours, isn't it - particularly when things are difficult. :rolleyes: