Neighbours interfering with my hanging baskets

I’d see it as helpful bordering on overstepping - wouldn’t mind the plants but would worry what was next. Definitely find out who and then thank them profusely (neighborly relations and all that) but be ready to stand firm if it becomes an issue. They might just be lovely and then you’ll have made a nice friend.

It sounds like it might be really convenient, if you can't keep a planter and basket alive for a few weeks (this isn't a criticism, I have been the same with plants), to have someone who's so obsessed with the look of their immediate neighbourhood they'd do this for you.

If you'd like the front of your house to look even a little like your gardener neighbours, I would consider putting a little note in the planter thanking them and asking if they'd have the time to help you figure out how to make the front nice in a way you have the time to manage. It's an opportunity to make some deep connections with neighbours and possibly make your house look (more) lovely.

If you're not interested in that then I'd just leave it, unless they did something that you didn't like. It doesn't sound like you're upset with what they've done so far.

Our old neighbour used to do things, bringing bins in, weeding etc.
He was always pottering around doing stuff.
I repayed at Christmas bottle of wine and biscuits it was a thanks for all the things he did during the year.

Looks like you a 'The Elves and the Shoemaker' situation. If its not bothering you don't sweat it. I'm sure in the fullness of time the Elves will be revealed and you can buy them a bottle of wine at Christmas!

I find it extraordinary that this is seen so badly by some. They have helped rather than made style choices. I have lucked out over the years with neighbours who have cut hedges and watered and potted stuff and I have baked them cakes and fed their cats. This is normal - no boundaries rude people are a problem - unobtrusively kind are great neighbours.

Some really rude comments have been made. Your neighbours sound like they are being helpful but if you want to stop it then keep on top of looking after your own plants!

They are being helpful. When my eldest 2 were little we had a lovely neighbour who was retired. He cut our grass every week. He knew dh was out at work long hours. He did the bins too.
Now we are older with more time. Our current neighbours are not gardeners. Dh happily cuts their lawn when he is doing ours. Takes all of an extra 10 mins.

We all know what mowing my lawn means... 😉

This is one of those things that could’ve been meant to be kindly or could be an implied criticism. That’s why it’s a bit awkward and uncomfortable.

I think they are either being kind or can't take the eye sore of the dead basket.

Aw they're obviously just being kind and helpful. As long as they don't start mowing the lawn or taking your washing in I wouldnt worry. Just obviously ask your ndn or get a ring doorbell so you know who to thank.

Because the plants didn't die.

PS by the title I thought it was going to some garden based porn, I was all set up for some edging, trimming borders and getting your hose out😁

Ach they were just being helpful. My old neighbours used to jump over the fence and cut my grass if i was out and they were doing their own
Good neighbours are worth their weight it gold

My neighbours think I’m getting put out but I’m really not.

If I’m cutting my grass I will often cut theirs. They both work long days, have family and they can often miss the window where it is dry enough to cut.

I don’t mind. We help eachother in many ways and I hope it evens out as they do a lot for me.

I’d be heartbroken if they thought I was being intrusive.

I think your neighbours are being thoughtful and helpful, as it sounds as if your gardens at the front are all fairly open plan, so not so intrusive if that’s the case.
Perhaps mention to one of your neighbours that you’d like to thank who is watering your basket - it might be them or they might be able to tell you who it is.

Don’t complain. DH and I have been away for 3 weeks and I know when I get home that all the plants/flowers in my pots will have died. Having a kind neighbour to water them would have been wonderful. (No hose pipe ban in our area yet!)

They sound like utter nightmares OP. Nip it in the bud before it becomes a thing.

Bemused at the cheery comments that they’re being helpful.

My neighbour years ago started similar friendly and helpful things, I gave them the benefit of the doubt initially and went against my instincts that said they’re intrusive twats. As time passed they were in our garden multiple times a day, having a chin wag with my NDN, taking in my washing cause it started raining, having a nosy in my garden, commenting on anything I did gardening related, collecting my parcels and bringing them round the patio when I had repeatedly asked them to stop collecting them.

I got a big ass gate that is now permanently locked, and I basically stopped saying anything more than hello to them as I realised that otherwise they got very confused and thought we’re just one big family?!

You mentioned there was one empty house. Is it for sale? Sign me up for this any day, how lovely of them.

I’m a bit weird on this but I think of plants as people, almost, and hate to see them mistreated. Maybe your neighbours feel the same way.

Or maybe they dislike looking at messy bits of dead plant every time they go past your house?

Hanging baskets need a lot of watering/dead heading to keep them looking lovely. Maybe they were worried you would leave it on the floor and it would die like the last one did.

Nice to have neighbours who look out for you if difficult times come along or are simply friendly.

This oversteps the normal way of things. And is not nice. Your property is not theirs.

I think I would do this if:

I had seen you trying to hang it and give up
i was then near your house for some reason

I think watering plants is a non issue tbh, if you have a can out or pipe on its a job of seconds.

I'd put my old shoes out that need mending. See what happens 😀 or failing that, look around for a saggy, old cat!