New neighbours - invading privacy?

[DENZIL88]

We moved this year, our new neighbours are really nice, but I feel they are slightly invading our privacy, maybe its just me?.... We have a really long garden (over 120 ft long), as you come out from the house into the garden we sit out there on nice evenings, next door have a raised area (decking) and keep hanging over the fence looking down at us, chatting etc. Which is nice and they are really nice people. BUT it is getting a bit annoying now, as after a little chat, I just want them to go away, so we can just sit as a family. On weekends we go and sit right down the other end, but it has its drawbacks as its too far from the house etc. Apart from growing plants up a trellis to avoid this I dont know what to do. I would never lean over somebodys garden at every opportunity, just maybe say "Hi" and go away. Is it just me? I am beginning to feel really anti-social??!!

[whiskeryron]

Also have a look for prickly climbers which will deter anyone from leaning across the fence,eg. PYRACANTHA (Firethorn) Ron.

[Quassia]

That's quite annoying! The trouble is no matter how brief you try to make conversation .. some people never do grasp a hint ... awkward one!

[coccinelle]

My neighbours often want a chat on a weekend when I'm in the garden to see how I am which can be nice for a few minutes but does hold me up. I often say, when I'll have to be getting on or it's getting chilly or I don't want to hold you up and that seems to do the trick though mostly I have to say it twice... You could always have a member of the family call 'Dad' or your wife call you after a while to which you say well, must go what would they do without me... or something to that effect.

[DENZIL88]

Thanks

[joko]

maybe they feel like theyd be being rude not to let on to you...its like passing someone you know in the street and totally blanking them...you just wouldnt...maybe they feel a bit awkward too but as the 'tone' has been set itd be weird not to continue...if they had just stopped letting on, you would be on here wondering what you had done wrong for them to snub you...

could you perhaps re arrange the patio so it sort of faces the opposite direction...such as add a patio heater on the left so that you would have your backs to them when they are there...that way it doesnt look like a snub, but also is awkward for them to get your attention and have a comfortable converstaion as you would be twisted backwards..
or even add a gazebo or canopy that kind of blocks their 'view' (its hard to say without seeing your layout)

also perhaps buy some high pot plants...for both sides but that make it more awkward for them to lean over...

as has been said - dont do anything to cause any sense of a snub...and maybe be glad they are friendly...maybe its just their way of being welcoming