I'm sure I AM being unreasonable

[Fleta]

But this is driving me potty.

I live in a semi detached. Our gardens are only separated by dense trees - no physical fence. At the top of the garden is a flagged area that goes between both houses by the bay windows. (This isn't any sort of walkway/right of way) It is a small step up (we live on a hill and next door's garden is slightly lower). We each have a small flower bed.

The new postman (been about 3 weeks now) has taken to posting to next door, walking in front of their window, climbing up and walking in front of our window to the front door. Which would really be an issue except he steps into our flower bed each bloody time. My winter plants are totally mashed and he's walking soil all over our pathway. Today he's knocked my planter over.

It is absolutely driving me up the wall. It would be really petty to say something wouldn't it?!

YANBU. Plant stinging nettles there.

No of course not. Why wouldn't you say something if he's treading on your plants?

Just tell him. Or put a very spiky plant there.

Say something to him, he knows that this is not a grey area and his employers would take this very seriously. Ask him if he's going to reimburse you for the plants he has destroyed and pay for someone to follow him around clearing up after him, too!

reggie I like your style!

YANBU

However stinging nettles won't make a difference with trousers in the winter. Plant some blackthorn. Huge nasty spikes and you can use the sloe berries to make gin

Ah ok glad to know I'm not actually being petty. I've spent the last three weeks simmering about it to the point where I couldn't see the wood for the trees

Thank you. Will say something next time I see him along the lines of "I don't mind you taking a short cut, but please avoid my plants!"

Nice little time saver he's figured out

Tell him straight he's wrecked your garden and costing you money. If he gets lippy or does it again complain to his employers.

Invest in a bear

No no no. A bear Trap. Invest in a bear TRAP!!

My postman does the same. I havent said anything as it doesnt particularly bother me, but you'd think they would be told not to do this by their bosses?

Put a sign up, "this is a flowerbed, not a short cut". Covers you if he's off sick then too? :)

A bear would do the trick too

I think a bear would be better.

I'm agreeing with the bear.

Please get a bear, OP!!!

Oh for heavens sake, just tell him. He's walking into a flower bed, which is not on, and anyone but a fool would know it.

I had to stop a young man in his 20s climbing into a flowerbed of mine the other day. Idiot.

Why tell him when you can just buy a bear though!?

hehe

I second the bear!