Letters to the Editor
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Just tell her no...
Seriously. Don't make something up. Don't invent fictional people or even plants to use the spot. Just tell your neighbor that unfortunately the spot isn't for rent, and that in the future if she wishes to use it she must ask you in advance first, or not at all.
Explain to her that you often have people who visit, and you often don't know well in advance that they are coming. As such, it is important for the space to always be free. Remind her that it is YOUR space. Say that perhaps so-and-so down the other end of Condo-Land might want to rent her the spot.
Be nice about it, but say No for crying out loud.
You're resentful because up until now you've been a doormat. Doormats get walked all over, and end up resentful.
If you say 'no' to her, maybe she'll be resentful... but hey, better her than YOU being resentful.