Wild flower patch

Autumn crocus

I had the housing officer here yesterday and she told me that because my back garden has long grass in it (not really overgrown, just long grass), then I have to sort it out and get it cut. Firstly I told her I am not paying out any more money on this house until I am a permanent tenant and secondly, I wanted to convert it into a wildflower garden for the environment.

She is about early 20's and so thinks in a different way. But it takes all sorts to make a world and she should have been a bit more accommodating seeing as the garden is not overlooked by anyone and she could only notice it because she was standing in my living room. From the front or back, she would have been none the wiser.

If anyone is planning a trip to Trentham Gardens soon there is lovely wild flower meadow that will hopefully flower until the Autumn. It has been planted as part of the restoration programme. Sadly I don't know how to do a link but there is more information on the Trentham Gardens website, Estate Restoration project.

I live in an ex council house and have a very small wild 'area', I have always planted to encourage wildlife but how do you convince neighbours that my garden is not just a mess.

My next door neighbour always asks when Im going to 'tidy up' my garden, those at the back said it was like a forest. Several people have said what a disgrace my trees are.

In an area that has neat lawns with borders (sooo boring), no hedges,no wildlife areas at all, I feel like I need my privacy and my wild garden.
I cultivate my plants, I feed, weed and deadhead like any gardener but because I have some of my garden wild the neighbours only see the 'wild' bit. I would live in a field if it were possible but in reality I have to put up with ignorant people who don't see beauty in wild flowers.

Sock it to 'em ethel!