A dilemma requiring tact!

Bless him. He sounds lovely.

Can the construction 'blow down' in the next summer storm?

I agree with Gabriella say it how it is and be clear. Trying too hard to be tactful can muddy the waters.

We did have the discussion - but he has a tendency to forget things! In every other way he is a great asset.

A polite comment over a cup of coffee, saying how you would prefer it if the canes were shorter as you wanted to train the sweet peas along the balcony. Though perhaps that's a discussion you should have had before he planted the canes?

I'd pile on the positive comments first and wait until the sweet peas get going before suggesting the pea sticks might need cutting back to preserve the view. With a bit of luck he'll agree with you.

GabriellaG54 - I know he's not a mind reader!!! I happened to have popped out when he did it and had no reason to imagine he might do this - it had never been mentioned! It appeared out of the blue! I had not asked him to do it.

Pea canes make me shiver - as a child I was 'riding' one as a horse, fell, and it nearly pierced my jugular. Still have the scar all these years later.

I wouldn't have thought it offensive to say kindly, 'Can we do it this way? I rather like my view'
Especially if he's willing to learn what you want him to do, most people are.

He is a friend but you do pay him so you are entitled to let him know your concerns, I am sure he will understand. Good luck xx

do so

Well, Luckygirl I'd just say that he's done a grand job but the canes are taller than you would like and it would please you if he would cut them to the height of the rails do you can appreciate the views.
If you don't give clear guidance then people do as they think best.
He's not a mind reader.

Just say to him " I hope you don't mind but I've shortened the canes as they block the view ". I'm sure he'll get the gist.

He sound wonderful, I’d just put up with it I think

I pay him - he is my gardener; and also a very kind man who is aware that I am shouldering a lot here and will pop down and put my bins out for example - I have never asked him to; he just likes to help.

I think the grandchild hazard idea is spot-on - brilliant!! I will blame it on my DDs!!!

Nothing!
Just ensure next time he does a job for you you leave very precise instructions or are there all the time.
He sounds to be worth cherishing.

Could the construction be a ‘hazard’ to your GC?

Is he your gardener? Or just a kind friend?

I think I will need luck! I probably will lop them off a bit, but not quite sure what to say to him!

The irony is that I never pick up DGD on a Thursday, but arrangements broke down and I offered to step in - normally I would have been here to say STOP!!!

I wouldn't have liked that either. I can picture the sweet peas intertwining your balcony rails.....how pretty.!!
It's difficult I know, but I think you will have to explain to him in the sweetest tones , in the nicest possible way, that the 'construction' was surplus to requirements, because the sweet pea would not grow that high anyway. You certainly don't want to upset him and lose his friendship.
Good luck !

Can you cut the canes off level with the handrail with a pair of loppers?