Hey everyone! I'm new here and could use some advice. I live in a busy urban area where I rent an apartment with a nice south-facing stoop, which got me into gardening. I've planted a mix of flowers, like dahlias, sunflowers, and hibiscus, but compared to my neighbors, mine are pretty underwhelming. Recently, I had a conversation with my neighbor who suggested that my plants are attracting rats to her property. She says she's lived here for 15 years without a rat problem until I started gardening. I want to maintain a good relationship with her since we usually get along well, but I really don't want to give up my gardening hobby. Are there any tips on how I can address her concerns without losing my plants? Is it possible that my flowers are attracting rats, and if they are, how can I keep both my garden and my neighbor happy?
3 Answers
I think the real issue with the rats likely comes from the trash cans, especially if you're living above a restaurant. You might want to kindly point that out to your neighbor. If the trash isn't being managed well, that's probably where the rodents are coming from. Just make sure your garden is tidy and maybe set some rat traps as a precaution. That could help ease her worries without sacrificing your plants. Oh, and if you let her know you're addressing her concerns, it might go a long way in keeping peace!
Totally agree! Plus, if you reassure her about your plants not being the source of the problem, it should help clear any misunderstandings.
You shouldn't have to stop gardening just because of her concerns! It sounds more like the dumpster behind the restaurant is to blame. If you like, you can try planting some rat-repellent herbs like mint or rosemary, and even offer her some as a friendly gesture. If she's still upset, maybe suggesting that you both talk to the restaurant about their trash management could be a good step forward. It’s not your fault!
Totally! And it might be good to document the situation with some photos or notes just in case her complaints become frequent. It’s all about keeping that peace without compromising your passion!
Yes, a little proactive teamwork could make a big difference. It's all about addressing the root cause without compromising your beloved garden!
I’d suggest keeping a camera to monitor any nighttime visitors around your plants. It sounds like your flowers aren't the reason for the rat issue, but if you can show evidence that they're just thriving without attracting pests, it may help your case. And if possible, try to keep your garden neat and tidy so there's no hiding space for any unwanted critters. That way, you can enjoy gardening and maintain good neighborly relations!
Great idea with the camera! Plus, if the rat activity does pick up, you’ll have proof that it’s not from your plants. You can also casually suggest she check the trash more regularly.
Exactly! Keeping your space clean will assure her that you're doing your part, and maybe even give her some peace of mind.
Exactly! It’s definitely worth discussing the restaurant's trash situation with her. And keeping everything organized on your end, like cleaning up around your pots and using traps, could help you both feel more at ease.