Gardener Shares Photos of His Beloved Plants One Month After Neighbor Dumped Bleach in His Garden: ‘So Frustrating!’

Having a garden is one of the best things you can do for your health and the health of the planet.

Planting even a small balcony garden can reduce cancer risks, improve mental health and support local pollinators and biodiversity.

However, some neighbors make gardening a real challenge, as one person shared on Reddit after a neighbor ruined their pretty flowers.

“Last month an upstairs neighbor dumped water from his mop and bleach into my yard,” the gardener wrote. “It’s coming back.”

The photos show a collection of hardy flowers thriving again in the original poster’s garden, which had wilted due to bleach.

Regardless of where you live or the size of your outdoor space, it’s essential to pay attention to your neighbors’ plants and gardens.

Far too often, owners and tenants concerned about sustainable development find themselves confronted with neighbors who do not share their values.

For example, some neighbors have recklessly left hazardous waste on people’s properties and allowed invasive plant species to escape onto people’s lawns. Other neighbors were arrested for burning plastic waste which caused toxic fumes throughout an entire neighborhood.

If you’re dealing with a problematic neighbor like the one who poured bleach in the OP’s yard, there are reasonable and friendly ways to approach the situation.

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First, engage them in an open, polite conversation about your garden and its meaning to you. Many people only become aware of the impact of their actions on their neighbors and the environment when you kindly let them know.

You can also be a good neighbor by setting an example of sustainability, taking good care of your flowers and incorporating composting and native plants into your outdoor design. Starting conversations with your neighbors about your natural lawn may also encourage them to consider similar options.

Followers on r/garding offered mixed comments and advice on how the OP should handle the bleach spill situation. Some were angry and used harsh words against the neighbor, while others offered encouragement and told similar personal stories.

“So frustrating!” wrote one Redditor. “I’m so sorry about what happened to you. Either way, everything is beautiful.”

Another Reddit user commented: “What is wrong with some people? Glad it’s back, beautiful flowers!”

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