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??!!

[ummmm]

I would find that highly annoying as well....

[Sqad]

;-)

[DENZIL88]

Oh good, glad its not just me then !

[snags]

I'd feel exactly the same. Not sure how you tell them without offending them though...

[carmalee]

always nice to be on good terms with neighbours (says she who hasn't one for a thousand miles - slight exaggeration) why not try 'oh hi, catch you later, bit of family business to discuss' - do that a couple of times with different excuses then invite them around one night for a quick drink and a chat then work into the conversation that you hate chatting over the fence as it interrupts your thread of conversation with your family. they should get the hint and it's better than falling out.

[DENZIL88]

Oops just realised I posted this in the wrong section.... Should have been Chatterbank......Im still learning !

[DENZIL88]

Carmalee, they have already been to ours for bbq and small party, as we have to theirs. My son is friends with their son now, and we share the school runs. They just seem to be too "full on"........ perhaps I am just getting a miserable old g!t !!

[MrsLeeG]

Try something like ive got such a headache, do you mind if i just sit here in peace and quiet, that'll get rid of them the first time. Next time you can say how peaceful you find it to sit and watch the kids play. Then you can ask them what the view is like from their garden and maybe they should go an appreciate it! lol :)

[China Doll]

Just say 'nice speaking to you' and turn round and carry on about your business and ignore them. They'll get the message. Or just say something specifically, you're all adults and should be able to cope with it. You're neighbours, not best mates.

Mind you, I don't have much of a problem with people talking to me if I don't want them to... Can't think why.

[DENZIL88]

I thought of something like, sitting out there with my iPod earphones in.... or reading a book. Bit more subtle maybe.......

[MrsLeeG]

You can say "anyway, dont let my nattering keep you back, away you go and enjoy the weather" make you sound as if you are doing them the favour!

[China Doll]

Why be subtle, if it's getting on your tits just tell them. Tell them nicely and tactfully but end it.

[Robinia]

hmm, difficult. I see you are the ones who've moved in, you're new to them and this is probably something they did with the previous occupants. It's always best to not start anything you don't want to continue (I have new neighbours, I'm treading carefuly) but it's a bit late to suddenly change your attitude with them and you don't want upset them.
As you've a big garden could you move further down so they don't have the raised area to stand on on their side?...and just hope they don't fetch a step stool :o)

[vulcan]

I have this problem when I'm working in the garden. my neighbour leans over the fence for a chat and this holds up the work. I've found monosyllabic answers help, he soon gets the message that I don't want to talk. It hasn't affected our friendship, we still talk on other occasions.

[DENZIL88]

Lol Chinadoll.......I like your style ! I thought of a fast growin holly bush !! But my wife said no......!

[DENZIL88]

haaaaa that made me laugh....

[whiskeryron]

I've always found that high trellis & Clematis Montana works wonders.Ron.

[DENZIL88]

The best thing about it Ron is there are already trellises there towards the tops of all the fence panels, nothing is growing up that high though at the moment, they may be cutting them back!?! I dont want to make it look that obvious that we are growing plants so they cant keep leaning over ! I will buy some Clematis Montana at the weekend......! Cheers

[Hopkirk]

Try a bit of nude sunbathing