Letters to the Editor
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Not In My Back (Front?) Yard
I understand the LW's desire to uproot or move the new shrubbery, not to mention call the police. Her desire to come to the defense of her neighbour is honourable. Unfortunately, I suspect that any intervention from the LW might only further victimize her elderly neighbour - who sounds, from the LW's account, like a proud woman who values her privacy. No question that the NIMBY across the road has committed a truly offensive and unforgiveable act. Rather than offer assistance of any kind she's all about her own property and, presumably, the view from her doorstep.
In a perfect world the LW would, under cover of darkness and preferably while the NIMBY was away on vacation, not only remove the oleanders, but plant a long row of something across the front of the NIMBY's house. Poison ivy, perhaps. However.......cooler heads.
If I were the LW I'd drop a brief note in her neighbour's mailbox, mentioning what the NIMBY had her gardener do, and offering to help in uprooting and/or moving the oleander if the neighbour so desires. If the neighbour doesn't respond to the note the LW has no choice but to respect that. The LW won't be ratting the NIMBY out as it doesn't appear she's tried to hide what she's done. I might also have a quiet word with the gardener - its very possible he was under the impression the NIMBY had obtained planting permission. Hopefully that conversation would get back to the NIMBY and would make clear the LW's thoughts on the subject.