"Michelle C" wrote in message
...
Three years ago, my neighbors were storing a canoe up against the chain
link
fence that separates our backyards. It was an eyesore. My opinion is that
I
have no right complaining to my neighbors about what they do on their own
property, so I took a pro-active approach instead. I planted some Silver
Lace vines on the chain link fence. This worked very well and by the end
of
summer it hid the canoe, and it looked really nice.

The following year, they got rid of the canoe and planted a flower garden
in
its place. Even though I no longer needed the vines, they looked so
beautiful that I kept them.

Now, three years later, they are a magnificent backdrop to the rest of my
flower garden. It's a backdrop to their flower garden too, and they didn't
even have to pay for it.

During the Christmas holidays, I invited these neighbors over for a
holiday
drink, and James said "Michelle, you're going to have to do something
about
those vines." When I asked him what he meant, he said that the vines were
growing into their yard and are strangling their plants.

I told him that it's a vine, and all vines need trimming occasionally. I
told him I trim my side of the vine every two or three weeks in the
summer,
and it only takes about five minutes each time. I said that's a small
price
to pay for having such a beautiful plant that is covering what was an ugly
chain link fence.

He told me that he and his wife shouldn't have to trim it at all, because
it
was my vine. He said if I were willing to trim it on their side of the
fence
from now on, they wouldn't have a problem with it, but if I don't do this,
I'd have to "do something about my vines". He of course means I should
kill
the plants to make him happy.

I changed the topic and wasn't the same for the rest of the evening. I was
insulted that they would come into my home, drink my wine, and use it as
an
opportunity to criticize me. Plus, it's winter! Why is he bringing that up
in the middle of winter?

I have already decided that I will trim the vines on their side of the
fence. But now I'm wondering who is right, and who is wrong, in this
situation? Am I right to think my neighbors are cranky? Does the law
obligate me to trim vines that enter my neighbors yard? Should they accept
the minor chore of vine trimming in return for having such a beautiful
backdrop (their words) to their garden?

TIA!
Michelle



As far as I'm aware, in Britain the neighbours would not be able to stop you
growing vines along your fence, although they can obliterate any part of it
that overhangs their garden. Personally I don't take well to threats, so if
your neighbour made a veiled threat to "do something" about your vines
whilst standing in your home and accepting your hospitality I'd become very
resistant to doing his will....you were the person he made these comments
to, only you can give them any context.

You are in a bit of a spot because your neighbour has the ability to
ruin your life ( and his ) by turning this into a feud, so consider your
approach carefully. The only thing I would say was to consider if you are
causing a nuisance to him in some way, obviously you like the vines but he
obviously resents doing that sort of gardening. How about a third course of
action: you keep the vines, but put a 6 foot wooden fence behind them? That
way, as long as you chop them off at the top every few weeks, your
neighbours cannot moan. It's a little expense to go to on your part, but
keeps your vines and pride!

Andy.