Garden etiquette

[Verity35]

Hi all, just need to clarify that what I’m doing is okay: live in terraced house and one side (neighbour owned) has very low fence, when we first moved in I would just say “hello” to them when I saw them in garden then get on with my stuff. A couple of times they seemed annoyed with my “hello”, as in they were hugging and tutting so I didn’t anymore unless they first said it, which they do sometimes. When I see them now I don’t acknowledge them and they don’t Most times either, it’s awkward as I’m aware of them but try not to make eye contact e.g. having my back to them whilst putting washing on the line! I have occasionally been tempted to ask how they are doing but stop myself. Any tips to make it less awkward for myself?

Oops not hugging I meant HUFFING (as in huffing n puffing)

If you do make eye contact just nod.

I grew a tall mixed border. My very nice neighbour on one side would talk and talk and talk when I was in the garden, even if I was in my hammock (not suggesting you do this at all) , it drove me nuts as she was clearly groping for something to say. She is a very big fill-the-gap talker. So I put some shrubs on that side and let them grow up a bit and now problem solved!

That would drive me nuts. The first thing I'd have done when moving is put up a much higher fence. Can you top yours with a trellis?

Yeah I could just nod but I don’t want to piss then off by trying to make eye contact! Shrubs might be a good idea but I’m so rubbish at gardening. Pip - yes it does drive me mad, I sometimes feel I can’t go out there if they have guests, OH thinks I’m being silly. Can’t put anything on it as they own it.

I have the same, my neighbours are a retired older couple, they like the quiet life but my family is loud and I'm always worried they are annoyed by us. I rarely say anything as I think the sound of a loud family next door is enough to put them off talking to us if they don't have to!
(We're not awful by the way, my girls like to sing and squeal and my partner sings loudly and badly and forgets how far his voice travels )

If its ylnot your side of the fence you own you can still put a fence or bamboo screening infront of it so long as you do not tie it to their fence to secure it.

Personally I would screening it for privacy