Eventually I want to just put some large tubs of bushes where the hedges were, probably fruiting bushes for the birds because we only use the back garden for our fruit and veg patch so whatever is out front is practically free reign.
I just wish I'd done it sooner but the neighbour over the road who has brought me his saw is a very lonely old chap, with no social skills or filter, and finds every opportunity to tell me all about his urinary catheter.
Whenever anybody on the street is doing work in their gardens he comes over to site manage, and over share his medical needs.
He is hard to get rid of as well, it doesn't matter how many times you say oh well, must dash, see you later, he follows.
I don't want to make out he is a nuisance though, his heart is entirely in the right place, and it's nice to have neighbours that would do anything to help, even if they are a bit wiley, but the thought of being collared in the garden is enough to put me off going out front without first having time to don my armor and prepare to be told about his penis.
The next door neighbout who was trimming the brambles is also so lovely and kind, but she is also an interesting character. I had to chase her dog down the street today because she didn't realise she'd left her door and gate open, she's got some cognitive decline going on, but keeps passing her assessments so receives no help. 2 years ago she had a parcel of mine delivered to hers. We had just pulled up as the postman pulled off, so I went straight round and knocked and heard her running away from the door. When I walked back home I saw her duck behind the windowsill, and later that night she came round and said I'm sorry I opened the package because I thought it was mine, no bother I said, but when I took it in she'd taken a bite out of 3 of my Easter chocolates and put them back in the box. Since then she's been seen walking round the side of our house and taking parcels left behind the bins and been really confused about where she is, she's also left things in our garden that should be in her garden and then been confused about where her things have gone. She also locked all her doors and went to bed a few years ago, and forgot she'd locked her non-verbal grandson outside, so her other next door neighbour had to get the police out. Her daughter is very aware though, and has been an excellent mediator so we are happy to keep an eye out for her. No idea how she keeps passing assessments but I really don't like seeing her with loppers in her hands.