In the, "are you kidding me department"

Joe08867

DaveMuell wrote: »

Apparently I really am that shallow. I work hard on my yard and spend a good deal of time and money on it. There are city ordinances (and HOA rules in many cases) that dictate to property owners who choose to live within the boundaries of those rules whether they can/can't do certain things. Having a garden in your front yard is apparently one of those things.

I don't know you, so I won't suggest that I am glad I don't live near you. But, that comment would appear to be a personal criticism of me that I wouldn't wager against you for having a differing opinion than I.

It wasn't meant a personal criticism other than we would probably not get along in person. If something like this would make you pissed off. I could only imagine what I could do?:eek: I can understand Upset, perturbed, maybe annoyed but pissed. Seems over the top.

And like the article says there is no law on the books about a garden so really it should be a non issue.

bobman1235

Wait... are you g uys talking about "WOOD" color?

i dont 'think I've ever heard "natural wood" honestly described as "s**t brown-yellow".

Joe08867

Don't get me wrong. I think it is stupid, I would prefer them to do that in the backyard and would tell them that, but I also think the authorities went to far as to threaten jail time for a garden. If it was growing wacky tobacky then ok but tomatoes and zuccini? Common people get a grip.

steveinaz

It appears that there are some people who like to push the absolute envelope--unfortunately at the expense of everyone around them. It's a little self-centered if you ask me.

In-lieu of jail time, they need to just incrementally raise the fine each time. We'll see how important the front yard vegetable garden is then. Glad I don't live next door.

When you live in an apartment, you know not to stomp your feet---there's no formal rule, but it's out of respect for your neighbors---nothing different here. Yes, there's no formal rule saying she can't plant a veg garden in the front yard...do we really need a "rule?" Common sense, respect for others..it's all contained right there. The REAL problem is, people want to live in a bubble; without any regard to how it affects others, or the neighborhood in general. If you want to do those things, move out on some land. Just like the apartment scenario--you know it's bad manners to crank the rig at 10pm, so you buy a house. Why do you think Home owners associations are becoming more and more common? Because people don't respect other peoples space---and "some" people need everything in writing, unfortunately. Apparently, this woman is one of "those" people.

The rest of us, that demonstrate common sense, respect, and good taste--have to live with the consequences.

apphd

steveinaz wrote: »

Aviator,
I hear ya, my point is maybe she should have put a little thought on how it would impact neighbors. Technically/legally I think she has argument---but that doesn't make it alright.

I can legally build an ATV mud track in my front yard, but I wouldn't. It's not appropriate in a sub-division setting, IMO.

This is why this country has so many laws on the books---people aren't using good judgement and common sense. They are thinking only of what they want, with no regard to how it may affect others. A little respect goes a long way.Veggie gardens, pools, swing sets, sand boxes---belong in the backyard.

+1
While jail time is asinine this was only threatened after she was warned, then fined. I can see her point the law does not specifically say no veggie gardens, but I think it is clear what the intent of the law is, regardless of how good it looks. While we can speculate all we want about what the rest of the neighborhood looks like, we have no idea what it really is like. So whether it has, or could hurt surrounding home values and how much, is also something we can only speculate about.

It makes me wonder if the local gov. and her have tried to talk to each other face to face, or if this was all done in the mail and just turned into a big pi$$ing contest.

bobman1235

I'm all for common sense. But if the law specifically says you can have a flower garden or other ground covering in your front yard, I don't think it's common sense to say no vegetables. In fact it looks like she used common sense by not putting in anything that's big and ugly (corn or something) and by keeping everything neat and nice looking.

I mean... honestly, if those exact same enclosures were filled with flowers or hostas or something, you guys are saying that that is fine, but because it's frickin' lettuce that this woman shoudl be a pariah and a criminal? I can't see how that's rational.

mrbigbluelight

I'd recommend removing those offending vegetables and planting something more suitable.

Load those raised beds with a boatload of Stapelia grandiflora, also known as the Starfish Cactus.

Very pretty !

Guess it should be mentioned that it's also know as the Carrion Plant. Seems like it smells like roadkill at high noon in August.

But it looks good, and that's the important thing.

m1aman

I wouldn't be upset if my neighbor did that. Some people are just controlling.

aviator

m1aman wrote: »

I wouldn't be upset if my neighbor did that. Some people are just controlling.

Julie Bass and her garden would be welcome in our neighborhood. I doubt Kevin Rulkowski would be tolerated for very long at all.

tonyb

steveinaz wrote: »

While I think it's rediculous that this issue was raised this high, I don't think a front yard vegetable garden is appropriate--if you want to put any thought into your neighbors property values.

When you live in a sub-division setting, you can't (or shouldn't) do certain things that may be completetly appropriate if you had your own acreage. It requires a little common sense, and thinking about how it may affect your neighbors. I'm not trying to be an **** here, I'm just saying that it doesn't appear that she thought much, if at all, about her neighbors. Jail time? that's just stupid.

Thats a good point Steve, the lack of respect and common sense has almost reached epic proportions. While I can agree with you, the next obvious question is, Do we then legislate common sense ? If so, then those helmet laws we talked about would be just fine.

If in fact this lady had a broken sewer pipe that was repaired, then the contracter left a mound of dirt in the front yard because it will settle over time. The lady, not wanting to see an ugly pile of dirt in the front yard, decided to make use of it until the ground settled. Now, she could have planted flowers but maybe she was on a budget and couldn't afford it. Maybe she couldn't afford to move the excess dirt. Whatever the reason, maybe alittle better communication between her,her neighbors,and the city could have resulted in a better outcome.

In my neighborhood, we help each other. This week we had a good storm blow in, knocked down some good sized tree's,branches all over. Those of us who are able bodied know who the ones are who would need help and we just do it. Grab our ladders and chainsaws and in a day or two things are back to normal. No,not everyone lives in a neighborhood like that but all it takes is for one person to do it and you'd be surprised how it catches on.

Point being, maybe if this lady asked for some help, the outcome would have been pleasing to all involved. Then again there's always the possibility the lady isn't the most pleasant to deal with too and nobody is willing to give her a hand.