I need advice re: my neighbors & planting

Marti Bradish
by Marti Bradish
I'd like some advice re: enlisting help from neighbors in the Apt building I live in, with planting flowers and such so we can have a beautiful, entertaining flower garden in front of our building. I'm always the only person doing all the work & I can't do it any longer. My body is wearing out from all the work,& my neighbors steal ”things" from garden. I buy cute garden decor from thrift stores and yard sales. I glue most everything in place with liquid nails. Other people come along and take whatever they want and or trash my hard work. I'd like people to help, & not destroy what I work on creating. Plus I need help with it all. What am I doing wrong??

  7 answers
  • Rose Broadway Rose Broadway on May 05, 2018

    Marti, I believe your problem is the same as mine: you expect too much. There are so many different ages and personalities in apartment living, and most of them don't care about making anything beautiful. If I were you I would concentrate on making a container garden for my own pleasure. If you have a porch or balcony that would be a perfect place to start. I wish you well. Let me know how things turn out.

  • Ken Ken on May 05, 2018

    I sympathize. Unfortunately you cannot change the behavior of others. Perhaps discussing your vision and desires with your landlord may provide a novel solution, but low-class people will do what they will.

  • Janice Janice on May 05, 2018

    Perhaps it's time for you to focus more on your personal apartment. Maybe buy some colorful indoor plants you'll enjoy all day long and evening. I agree with the comments Rose made. By not expecting anything from other neighbors, you'll not be disappointed or upset. Some things (human behaviors) can't be changed by another. Enjoy your own happy place!

  • I agree with the prior comments. Granted this is a long shot, maybe contact the building owner and enlist their assistance. Tell them of your plight. Point out gently that a well maintained building with curb appeal fetches higher rent and a, dare I say it, more proactive and better quality tenants. Maybe leave the higher rent portion out to save yourself, unless you are in a rent controlled area. When I was renting, I did the same as you. Who wants to live in a boring building? I always bought flowers or something to make at least the front of the building more attractive. I did have owner permission. One of the last rentals I became the building manager as I knew how to fix things and did it better than their handyman. In the interim, I agree, focus on yourself and your area.

  • 27524803 27524803 on May 05, 2018

    Perhaps you could post a "sign up" list for a building wide cleanup/work day... stating that the goal is to make a "community" garden area for use by all of the buildings tenants... if you don't get a response... focus on YOUR patio or entry area... and stuff for YOUR enjoyment...the rest of them are not worth your time and effort.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on May 05, 2018

    Unfortunately I agree with everything already said.

  • B. Enne B. Enne on May 05, 2018

    All good advice...

    Sad...you could ask it to be mentioned at a tenants' meeting. You could also post a positively toned sign (without personal info) on the bulletin board stating that although it has been a labour of love, you will no longer be able to continue beautifying the garden, unless neighbours can help maintain it. If more people are invloved perhaps less people will feel the neeed to "borrow" or destroy things,