This makes me so mad that I am practically speechless. How dare they come into your personal space. I suppose the next thing will be to tell you how to conduct your marriage and raise your kids. They were completely out of line. I would walk the other way whenever I see them. These are not neighbors.

Unfortunately, there are always those individuals who think that THEIR way is the only right way to do things and they feel the need to pass that on to others.

No one wants a lecture - no matter how well meaning - from a stranger. I distinctly remember an incident from when I was pregnant, being in an elevator with another woman, who felt the need to point out the dangers of the candy bar I was holding in my hand.

Some people are way too busy trying to correct what they perceive as everyone else's faults, whether it is faith, political views, eating habits or gardening methods. There are many shades of gray when it comes to responsible vs. irresponsible activities and, unless and until a person crosses the line into illegal - there is no one person's OPINION (about how to do things) who trumps another's.

I'm so glad you came to this forum when you were hurt and upset--

We have a wonderful bunch here and this post is fantastic---

We have wonderful neighbors who enjoy our rather weedy garden---

Please keeposting yopur gorgeous roses. and "bless your heart"----LOL LOL

Florence

"Oh Ladies, if I stopped growing MAH roses what would the old folks at the nursing home do, BLESS YOUR HEARTS".

They were so wrong to do this to you.

They must be shallow gossipy women with no real passion for anything, or they could not do this to you.

I also hope you attend all the meeting of the HOA, and think you should not address their rudeness, except with the southern phrases that one of the posters here wrote. I love it!!!Well, thank you very much. How interesting.

I need to go back and write them down. They are good.

Sammy

I am sorry you have such rude neighbors, shame on them! We live in TX as well and have only gotten compliments on our roses. We grow mostly OGR's, Earthkind roses (Belinda's Dream is a favorite, in case you don't yet grow it), and several Austins, which also thrive on little water once they're established. We just made it through a 3 year drought and though we have lots of roses, we only watered once a week, like everyone else. I hope they leave you alone, but if not, thanks to many of the above posts you are now armed with lots of good comebacks. :o)

"I am so offended, and it didn't even happen to me."

ditto.

but I disagree with the peace-keeping ideas:

If I'd known then what I know now, I'd have drawn a strict line with my neighbors when I moved in;
by trying to get along with them, I unwittingly gave them the whip hand, & they (one particular family) tortured me for years.

Be sure to get the message across to these women that you will not tolerate any interference in your personal business & that they'll pay for any trouble (not physical threats, more like legal action threats).

I do like the suggestion to mention that the old folks enjoy the roses, but I might change it a little:
"Oh, if it weren't for my garden, who would bring you roses in the nursing home?"

Keep planting & watering & enjoy making the world a more beautiful place.

i am a nice guy- but this pissed me off.
there are a million things one could say in response; unfortuneately if you are a sensitive person (like myself),these words would hurt and cut deep.
i wouldn't have been nice in return; i would have told them to go F%$% their hat...
to hell with being PC- i am so tired of all the green propaganda; be sensible and do your part - yes, but making it a cause...(yawn). get a life i say.
the hypocrisy of it all- didn't their motto (the greeners) used to be "plant a tree?" that is what you are doing :)

know this: rosarians are generally more sophisticated and higher up the food chain than your average bear; revel in that knowledge while they go home and watch Seinfeld reruns while you are having a religious experience in your garden...

This event keeps running through my head. My students are around 16 years old. If adults act like this to "neighbors and friends"???? what are their kids doing in the schools.

We really address bully problems in our school, but adults? They came together to talk to you. They are so simple minded, jealous and hateful.

Just wanted to stop in this morning to see how you are feeling---I hope all the positive feedback from your rose-loving friends has helped you.
I'm so annoyed that these so-called "lADIES" had the nerve to intrude on the peace and quiet of your sanctuary---
don't they have anything better to do????

Keep on gardening and put this behind you. time will lessen the pain.

Fondly, Florence

Hi everyone...my comrades via the internet :) Just wanted to give you an update.

I went out yesterday to continue with the work in the front garden (mulching, weeding, etc.)

Had on my iPod and wide brim hat -- remember, I'm a chicken and do not like confrontations.

Anyway, the ladies came walking down my cul-de-sac again -- which in itself is not an issue -- the sidewalk is community property. The group, 4 ladies this time instead of the 3 the other day, stopped directly in front of my house.

I could not hear what they were saying, but could tell that they were talking about my garden, due to the finger pointing and looking my direction, nodding and shaking their heads.

It was 95 degrees yesterday, so I wasn't in a very "neighborly" mood. I tried to ignore them as long as I could, a whole 2 minutes.

I took off my earphones, took a deep breath and walked toward the group, outwardly smiling, but shaking inside.

As I came closer to them, one of the ladies whispered, Here comes the Californian. Okay, enough is enough.

I asked them sweetly if there was anything I could help them with. They all said NO, we don't need anything from you. We're just taking an assessment of your eccentric garden to address the HOA board. Eccentric? The most eccentric thing I may have out front is my bird house, a Chapel with a cross on top.

I said that's fine. I'll be happy to supply pictures if one of them had a camera, better yet I'll go inside to grab my camera if they insist. They declined the pictures but WARNED me, warned me, that they will be bringing the HOA head landscaper around next week to survey my garden for neighborhood consistency.

Um, what? In the HOA bylaws the only restrictions I see for the front yard are no trashcans, no unmaintained vehicles, and no front yard fences.

I quickly ended the conversation before unlady like things spew out of my mouth -- I told them I'd be happy to meet with the head landscaper and would love to give him and anyone else a tour of my garden. Although my garden has only been through one season, I am not ashamed of it or need to justify what I'm growing, as long as I'm within HOA guidelines.

Anyway, my stomach is churning in anticipation of next week's encounter. I'm not too worried about the head landscaper because I believe if he's a true landscaper, he'll realize that established roses will not require excessive watering and that once the garden is mature, my "work" will not only increase the value of my property, but the neighborhood as well.

I even saw one neighbor the other day planting a hedge of red knock-out roses along both side of his driveway. I went over to say hello and gave him a Cramoisi Superieur since he apparently likes red (wanted to introduce him to OGR).

Sorry I digress -- and sorry for the long post...

So until next week, I'm working my butt off to make my garden picture perfect for the inspection.

Thank you all so very much for the kind words of encouragement. It really helped turned my tears of anger to tears of joy. Thanks for being there for me :)

Audrey

MEDDLING, BUSYBODY GOSSIPS !!!

Plant your rose hedge, love your roses, water them like you have a personal pipeline to the Great Lakes!

...telling you how to grow YOUR garden...

Next time tell them you don't appreciate them using so much oxygen when they go on a walk and you would prefer they stay at home... you know... for the "greater good".

Rob

{{gwi:268891}}

We have HOAs nearby that are so restrictive that they dictate the colors of paint and the types of shrubs that can be planted. I'd never, ever live in such a place. My son had a friend in "exclusive" Gold River, and I'd always get lost trying to go to his house because everything looked just the same (and all of the streets wind together, with the names mostly starting with "Gold").

I'd do some homework, making sure that you know every restriction in the HOA (I'm sure you have), and making sure that there's no way that these very unladylike ladies can get to the board without your knowledge and presence. I'd also line up some allies if you have any friends. You might want to contact the landscaper yourself, if you can. The best defense is a good offense.

I'm glad you have this forum for support, because you've landed in what sounds like gardener's hell.
Anita

Also, don't forget payback: if the HOA is dim-witted enough to give you problems about your rose garden, then there's probably something equally absurd that can be used against those worthless gossips who are bothering you. If they have a reputation for this type of bullying behavior, the neighborhood will hopefully be against them vs. giving you a hard time.

Anyway, my sympathies: I hate people like them... they do nothing but make the world harder for others... total wastes of oxygen they are.

"What's wrong with being a Californian, anyway?" I'd probably use the tactic of asking them VERY direct questions like that and not making them rhetorical. I'd leave an uncomfortable silence so they know you want them to answer. Let them back up their rudeness with argument and I'll bet they come up with something lame.

"What have I ever done to you?" (pause, wait for answer), or
"Don't you have any bigger fish to fry than MY garden?" (pause for answer), or

"I'm minding my own business, why are YOU all up-in-my-kool-aid?" (pause for answer, watch their brains churn trying to figure out that bit of California lingo), or

"Why are you concerned with a sliver in my eye when you ignore the plank in your own?" Yeah, quote the Gospel at them.

They ought to be ashamed of themselves. But their too foolish to be. Good luck and You-GO, girl!

Annabeth

hell is full of:
politicians
used car salesman
people that make life unnecessarily harder for others.

i cannot wrap my head around the idea that what you are doing could piss anybody off; the only logical reason that adds up is that your property is going to reveal the unkemptness and unoriginality of theirs perhaps?

i live in a townhouse complex and there are some strata laws and such that we adhere to, however, there are some laws that are not in the book, but are suggested that we conform to such as :
i have an oak tree directly in front of my back yard on the common property. i hung a bird feeder in it last spring and i had a natural oasis with many wonderful birds visiting my garden. it is not against the law to have a bird feeder, but some council members got wind of it and decided to come over (which they never do ), and pretend to be interested in my roses when in fact they were looking for the bird feeder.
they told me to take it down because it attracts rats.
i guess if what i was doing is so wrong then maybe the neighbours shouldn't leave the dog dish outside either...
after some pressure i took them down, but relocated it to a discrete spot where they cannot see it...

i have the nicest ,by far, garden in the townhouse complex and i am very proud of it as it brightens everyone's property around it and my neighbours have conspired to do the same and try to keep up with me. nobody complains about the roses.

one interesting story though:
last spring i had some time off and so i decided to build some really nice wishing well planters for myself and then for my neighbours. i built around 7 of them andd painted them really nice.
{{gwi:268892}}

i had one in front of my driveway and received a letter from the council saying i had to remove it because it was against the by-law seeing that it wasn't entirely white.my neighbour directly in front of me had one too and she got a letter as well to remove it.
i can assure you that it wasn't an eyesore; in fact, it was nicer than those cheap ones that you can buy from the nurseries.
they said that planters had to be white. i walked around the complex and saw many infractions to the rules and believe me, some people's yards were a joke; mine is beautiful. lots of planters that weren't white...

i know that if and when i go to sell my place, it will be in the summer when a potential buyer can enjoy what a selling featue an awesome garden can be.

Audrey, these so called ladies are getting ridiculous. I don't think you have anything to worry about. Your roses require less maintenance than grass and add more beauty. I think things will fall in your favor. Be the kind and elegant woman you are and explain your point of view to the HOA. These people need to get a hobby. The insulting way they keep bringing up Californians is getting old too.

Fight The Good Fight, Audrey. We are all with you.

Juliet

I have never lived nor plan to live anywhere with an HOA. But from reading here and elsewhere, HOA's in some aspects seem to be thinly veiled racism and bigotry. Also, very un-American if you think of individuality as something America has always prized. Not to mention, if you've paid for something, you should darn well expect to do what the heck you want with it.

Am I the only one thinking of those "ladies" as the HOA ho's?

(Sorry.)

We had a pitched battle in Sacramento about the city ordinance requiring turf and low ground cover over the front yard. It took a couple of years, but it got changed to allow raised beds, veggies, etc. There's still a requirement for access for firefighters, a clear zone along the driveway for visibility, and that things be maintained. Many people were shocked to learn that even in non-HOA neighborhoods they could be cited for having the temerity to have something other than grass.

These rules meant that people couldn't even have roses in their front yard, which was never their intent. In fact, they were established to ensure that people didn't pave or gravel their entire front lot, and written back in the day when the only thing people could imagine was grass, shrubs and trees. The rules were enforced only if a neighbor complained. Things hit the front page when somebody complained about a neat set of raised beds filled with vegetables, with a picture-perfect family of twin homeschooled boys gardening with their mom. The outrage over the rules got even greater when somebody sprayed herbicide on the garden. Finally, the city ordinance changed.

There are plenty of people who want to tell others what they can and can't do.
Anita

Do ask them which church they attend because you want to talk to their pastor.

What absolutely pitiful excuses for human beings. I know one neighborhood I lived in was ruined for me after my purse was snatched when I was twenty feet from a security guard (who had been talking to the perp just before he became a perp) and he said he was only paid to guard the sidewalk and parking lot. If you can get past this, all the better. But life is too short to live near arses.

Audrey, this royally stinks, and I am so sorry that you have to go through this. But if it is a fight they want, you need to be prepared to fight back.

1. If there is no place in your HOA agreement that states you cannot plant certain roses, plants, and landscaping, then these women cannot stop you from doing otherwise. Print out your agreement if you don't already have a hard copy, and have it readily available.

2. If you meet with the HOA and they try to tell you that you are violating the HOA code, you will have your hard copy and ask them to specifically point out this violation. If what they point out is obscure or confusing, then you can argue that it is their fault for not having clear, understandable directions and codes for their HOA members. And, unless they are willing to reimburse you for the plants and work you have already done, then you will not be removing any of the current landscaping.

3. Having someone who knows a lot about landscaping with Earth-Kind plants on hand in case you need a reference will be good. Who knows what experience this "Head HOA Landscaper" will have.

4. Print out information about Earth Kind plants and what their benefits are. Especially having these things:

In urban areas of Texas about 25 percent of the water supply is used for landscape and garden irrigation. Much of this water is used to maintain traditionally high water-demanding landscapes, or it is simply applied inefficiently. In an attempt to reduce the excessive water use, Texas Cooperative Extension is educating Texans on the principles of Earth-Kind landscaping to help preserve and protect our most valuable natural resource.

The Earth-Kind® Rose Program is undoubtedly the largest, most aggressive horticultural research project ever undertaken on roses. Ultimately, its applications will benefit gardeners in every state. Like all large endeavors, the success of the Earth-Kind® Program has largely been a team effort. Dr. Steve George and Texas A&M University conducts the research, oversees the field trials and co-ordinates the Earth-Kind® Rose Brigade. The Houston Rose Society provides the financial resources to expand the existing research to identify additional cultivars deserving of the Earth-Kind® designation, including national Earth-Kind® Roses.

In order to receive the Earth-Kind® designation, the cultivars were required to:



Exhibit outstanding disease and insect tolerance/resistance;


*Produce spectacular blooms;


*Be the best varieties for organic management methods;


*Reduce the need to applications of pesticides/fungicides by 95%;

*
Reduce the need for supplemental watering by 70%.



The heat and drought tolerance of the cultivars which received the initial Earth-Kind® designation is so strong that all 11 varieties continued to flourish in their second growing season without supplemental watering through a 67-day drought with daily temperatures at or exceeding 100 degrees. The only noticeable effect of heat extremes was a reduction in bloom size.

Earth-Kind is a special designation given to select rose cultivars by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service through the Earth-Kind landscaping program. It is based on the results of extensive research and field trials and is awarded only to those roses demonstrating superior pest tolerance, combined with outstanding landscape performance.

It sounds like most of the roses you have are Earth-Kind Roses, maybe not the Austins but you should definitely check and see which are and which aren't. They probably won't, but they may ask you for a list of what roses you have.

5. These neighborhood women have approached you and spoken to you in a degrading and derogatory manner. They have not done any research on the subjects of what you are planting, and they have made unjust accusations about your use of environmental resources. Their ignorant accusations have caused you stress and has also wasted your precious time by wrapping you up in meetings with HOA landscapers and possible meeting to put this matter to rest. You can make it perfectly clear that if these women come to your property harass you any longer, than you will make formal complaints, and if that doesn't work, file a police report. They are disturbing the peace and harassing you with their actions.

6. These women have come to you and instead of trying to solve any problems, they group up on you while you are working, give you no warning whatsoever and start accusing you of things. That is not only rude, but extremely unproductive. If these people wanted to solve a problem, they should have approached you in a cordial manner, and expressed their concerns in a non demeaning way. And now, they are showing up at your home, and "assessing" things without your permission and without previously speaking to you about coming by.

7. You should really think about contact the HOA yourself, as soon as possible, to make an appointment with this HOA head landscaper. Tell them that some women around the neighborhood have been warning you about your landscaping and that you would like to clear it up as soon as possible. Do not be afraid of expressing that these women have not been kind in their accusations, they are very much in the wrong with their actions. But make sure you are very calm and collected. If you loose your cool, it looks really really bad. But, if these women are rude like they are, and you are calm, kind (yet assertive and strong, don't be kind and passive) and collected, then those women will look like the idiots they are. You NEED to look like the knowledgeable, strong, and unfaltering gardener. Those women need to look like the belittling, rude, and uneducated that they are in front of the HOA if possible.

WOW that was a long post. But I want you to be strong and prepared for this, and take a strong offense.

Keep us update, we're all here with you!

Natalie

I agree with Natalie. Do your homework. Be prepared for a fight (with papers). Print out all you can about how roses take less water than conventional grass landscaping. Know your HOA rules front and back. You may even want to go around the neighborhood, introducing yourself, and trying to get as many people backing you as possible, just in case it comes to 'a vote'.

DD lives in a HOA. She has had numerous 'infractions', most of which are ridiculous. Until they elected a new president. Obviously, the new president doesn't have the 'HOA police' cruising the neighborhood. Her neighbors have weeds in the flowerbed! Shocking! And they haven't replaced the tree that died this past winter! Gracious! (DD got fined when her tree died and she didn't replace it within a 2 week time period!)

So sorry you have moved to this neighborhood and are getting this type of reception in Texas. Obviously, one of the women has made herself the 'garden police'.

Audrey, I am so sorry you have to go through this. I only wish all of us could be with you when these ladies were there and we could tell them a thing or two. What poor excuses for neighbors!

Unless you have a very restrictive HOA, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Some HOAs regulate if you can remove grass or grass over planting areas. But I'm sure once they see your yard, they will accept your plan. And yes, established shrubs like roses probably use less water than lawns.

I just don't understand these people.

I think what these ladies are after is conformity. The water argument is just an excuse. Another thing they want is to boss people around.
Natalie hit the nail on the head: call the police. There's a set of laws which supersede any rotten covenant rule you can think of. Harassment on private property and trespassing is still illegal.
It's been a comfort to realize I'm not the only one who thinks the HOA should be legalized out of existence. State and county law is the real deal, and should be good enough.
Our annual meeting is tonight. I'm not going. Nobody showed up at the first one, so they're having it again.
I'm sure the first order of business will be that our big fat subdivision sign blew down.
Maybe it's a message from the Lord.
Here's a great song for all those Devil Women out there.

Audrey, it is very very hard to get me riled up, as I'm wayyyyy too easygoing. In fact, even when I first read your post, I posted a one line funny comment and put a wink emoticon.

But what you posted about the 'eccentric' comments actually made me VERY angry. WTH! Who gave these despicable women the right to come to your property, stand around in a witchy huddle and use accusatory and mean words!!!!! A personal attack and borderline stalking. Usually I cannot be bothered to get mad about anything but reading what you wrote, I would personally volunteer to knock on their doors and give them a PIECE OF MY MIND and one they would remember.

We are all on your side and please don't take their words to heart. They are ghastly witches and bullies to boot. GRRRRRRRRRR!

THEY HAD THE NERVE TO COME BACK??? I'm so upset I can barely see straight enough to write. That you should be subjected to these harridans again is beyond belief. They obviously don't have enough to do in their pitiful lives. I think you handled yourself beautifully but I'm so sorry that this cruel silliness is being visited upon you. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you all the way. I know you'll keep us posted.

Ingrid

Hear, hear! In my first answer I spoke for the interests of the community, but now all I can say is, what a coven of witches. There's a lot of good advice up there. Defend yourself against these nasty folks. HOAs? What a nightmare!
Melissa

Audrey, so sorry you had to experience this kind of pettiness. Anita and Natalie's suggestions about stressing Texas' earthkind rose policy should educate them. Sounds like they don't know one rose from another so just learning that planting roses is considered earth-friendly in Texas will enlighten your neighbors. Remind them even drought-resistant plants require a lot of water their first year. So too roses - but many require much less water with time and certainly less than lawns.

And yes, bring handouts to that HOA meeting which support what you say for those interested. If there is no public meeting and you have a bulletin board you could state your case there to other neighbors. If it's like my community, many people disagree with restrictive policies and overly zealous 'governors.'

You don't even need to be defensive because you are in the right. If you calmly state your case it is not you who will look bad. You could even add something at the end of your presentation - to the effect that is was disheartening and disappointing that your first 'greeting' from your neighbors was such a critical, unkind one.

There are ways to say things (you know attracting more bees with honey...) Ganging up on you in a bullying way shows no sense and hardly fosters a desire to cooperate on anyone's part even if their beliefs weren't so ignorant.

Sounds like you are a good-hearted, sensitive and cooperative person - the perfect neighbor. I bet you find other neighbors who will appreciate that. Take heart, Marlene

OMG OMG..they came back? I can't freaking believe this! Well...I am proud of how you handled yourself. I agree with calling the landscaper yourself..make an appointment. Good Grief. Sounds like you made a friend with the guy planting the knockouts. Man..these women have way too much time on their hands

That is just horrible, indeed, they had a nerve to come back?! I would think that the case here is that one or few of those old bats does not like your garden for whatever reason and tries to get rid of it that way. It is petty, annoying and definitely way out of line.

It reminds me though of some pensioner ladies from the apartment I was renting years back - they were horrified that I have a cat and were seeing it as a source of all possible diseases. My Siamese cat shared the same opinion about THEM though. :D

But generally, it might be wise to know more about the landscaping guy and if the similar problems have been occurring before in the area and if the old bats were involved. Then you can also use as an argument that they do not want to adapt their gardens to the other neighbors, if the other neighbors want to garden more.

But in any case you probably will need to plant a hedge or a row of something impenetrable and thorny to avoid pestering in the future. Some people can go as far as minor vandalism, so thorny hedges usually are good to keep them out.

I still can't believe these women. I really think they are just people with no lives and need this kind of 'drama' to make their day interesting. I have good neighbors who tell me that my yard raises THEIR property values! And they they don't have to lift a finger to see a beautiful garden.

I really don't think that an HOA can dictate water usage. They may be able to tell you what time you can have automatic sprinklers on or stuff like that, but water usage is normally a county government thing. I know, we just went through 3 years of drought and watering restrictions.

The only thing they can possibly control is that you must have bermuda grass in the front. And they might say you can't rip it all up and put in roses. But they will most likely allow you some leeway there. When I had my incident (I had a shed which about 8 inches peeped above the fence and was visible from the front street IF you craned your neck backwards as you drove by, it is now covered by Reve d'Or) the woman told me that they don't want you to grow grass over planting beds and if you want to add more, that is usually ok, but maybe ask in advance (I had also dug up the grass around the mailbox and planted a rose there because it looked nice and it was too much work to mow and edge around the mailbox post)

I would forget about these woman and deal with the landscaper (I was on the landscape committe at my HOA and most of them are dedicated gardeners who will probably appreciate your hard work). If, heaven forbid, some of that cackling horde is on the board, they may give you a fight, but what's in the bylaws is the law, not what they want.

If all else fails, a bus load of us will come down there and give them hell!

Also: that KO guy you gave the rose to? He's your ally in this since you were sweet to him. Maybe go confide in him, I'll bet he's been on the receiving end of those dingbats and he can give you helpful advice. Plus, you'll have an ally!

My plan this morning:

1. Head out to my local extension office to obtain any and all info on EarthKind Roses, water wise plantings, etc. If this doesnt work, Ill print out this thread and whats online for backup.
2. I'm also going to see if someone at the extension office could be available (via phone, email, or in person) should the HOA board or landscaper have further questions on my choice of plants.
3. Ive already printed a hardcopy of the HOA rules and covenants (Ive read it over late last night and will review again to make sure I havent violated a rule).
4. Bring a bag of Rose Tone to the Knock Out neighbor and confide in him my current dilemma with the neighborhood garden police. In any case, he may want to know that his newly planted rose hedge may be in danger.
5. Left message for the HOA this morning, requesting to speak with Landscape Committee.

This is what I have planned so far.

Thanks for the support, everyone. I could not do this without you all :)

Audrey

Good luck, Audrey! We're with you!
Melissa

Good luck with ir Audrey!

Good for you Audrey. I understand that some of these housing communities want people that don't leave broken cars in their yards..and so on..What's that Jeff Foxworthy joke.."You might be a redneck if you mow your grass and find a car"....but how boring life would be if we all had the same yards..all the same grass and shrubs. Do they have meetings at the HOA? I would go to a few and bring a nice bouquet of roses you grew in the yard. You go girl!

I feel for you. Are we talking about adults here? Sounds like the gang of teenage girls I remember from middle school, they get a real kick out of excluding and picking on others.
I totally sympathize with you, as you sound like such a sweet person. These busy bodies don't have else to do but pick on others, probably has always worked for them.

Good luck with your quest, may the best man win! And remember, win or lose, there is always room here in the sticks for nice rosy neighbors!!!

And we don't say "bless her heart" in this part of Texas, maybe here is just too close of Oklahoma. But we are known to say other things...

When you win this thing, I suggest you make your yard as rosie as you possibly can. Plant as many as you can squeeze in, festoon some ramblers on swags about 12' above a rose covered fence or hedge. Put teepees and tuteurs everywhere and fill the porch with potted minis! Leave no place untouched by roses! Then one fine day when they walk by again, take a big, exaggerated and obvious sniff and say "AAAhhhh...smell that rosie fragance ladies? Smells like California!"
Annabeth

I agree with Kaylah: they are looking for conformity, all HOA is after that. That is a big pitfall in democracies and subdivisions in particular: they hate individualism and individual taste, and consider it deviant. Maybe these women have no standing in that HOA, only want to seem to be important. We have one guy like that here.

You got a lot of good advise above. If it comes to an official or semi-official meeting, just mention Tyler often and repeat again and again as the rose capital of the world. Refer to Chamblee's located in Texas and known all over in the USA as the one of the best 5 vendors (as listed on Garden Watchdog). Or, Antique Rose Emporium, another great company also located in Texas. Maybe you have their catalogs to wave around. Or mention A&M University in reference to Earthkind rose program.

As to these busy-bodies, I agree: call the police and ask for a restraining order.

"Here comes the Californian."

WHAT? AGH! What nasty ladies! They don't even know you! It's like how dare you move from a different state. It's like they are determined to dislike you just because you are different. They've probably been sitting in their houses talking about you before they came back over to point at your house! AGH!
I can't even IMAGINE what they would think about me. I have all kinds of weird hobbies and do costumed events sometimes. Their heads would probably explode. I can't believe they are so determined and mean about such a normal pretty garden.

... after I stop foaming at the mouth,... how nice that you gave a Cramoisi Superieur to your neighbor!!

I would go in armed with the rules and research (like Natalie so awesomely provided) so that they have no leg to stand on. And be careful about HOAs, sometimes they can be run by really bored obsessive compulsive idiots. I know because the only reason my husband agreed to V.P. one of them was to keep a total crazy man out. My husband really didn't care for all the time he had to spend on the HOA stuff, but did it to keep a busy-body crazy man from taking over.
So really, you need to be careful and armed.
But keep your sweet calm demeanor. Don't let them visibly shake you. They'll get more pleasure if you appear upset. And you calmly stating the facts is more powerful.

Unfortunately the evil women are probably not doing anything legally wrong. You can't get them for harassment, I don't think, unless they're actually trespassing your property or acting more overt than they are. It's sad that I know a little about restraining orders. *__* But I would go to the HOA with your facts.

It occurs to me that you could ask the interfering ladies, pleasantly "Since water use is of such a concern to you, perhaps you could tell me how you monitor how much water you use to wash your laundry, and how do they re-cycle their gray water", and if not, why not?. Put them in the same position that they put you in, nicely of course.

Lux.

annabeth - I laughed out loud!!!

vuwu - sounds like you are doing just the right things to get everything in order. I agree with ceterum about mentioning all things Texan. Sounds like you're going to have a busy weekend! You know we're all rooting for you!

oh, just turn the hose on em.

Wow. I feel for you just reading that. Those people were really rude and obviously have anger issues. If they actually worked it up to speak to you, imagine what's beneath the tip of that iceberg. Does Mermaid make a nice hedge? :-)

Here is another idea. At the next annual meeting volunteer to be on the HOA board. I don't know how they operate there but here nobody wants to be on the board and as soon as you are a member you are protected like an endangered species - at least that's the way how it works here.

You as a HOA member may even enforce a special rule that those ladies must plant roses in their yards:-)))

Ceterum, lot's of great ideas so far, but that's the best one yet!!!

Hmm...I don't get it. When people get together and make rules, they make, de facto, a government. We're supposed to have protections against government, especially a busy-body government, in this country. Somehow HOAs seem exempt. It is ironic that Texas is ranked 5th in personal freedom in "Freedom in the 50 States: An Index of Personal and Economic Freedom" by William P. Ruger & Jason Sorens. Well, good luck with them socialistic ladies, if they persist in harassing you. I hope the mood just passes and they learn to ignore you. I can't imagine what's motivating them.

"Oh, no, they've let a gardener move in? Our way of life will be ruined!!! They'll take over the neighborhood and exchange pass-alongs!"

"Stop it! The thought just makes me shudder!"

"Y'all know they're always SNIFFING things!"

well you can always do what I do when confronted with people like this. Look right into their eyes and say "you know, the Bible tells me that in order to be forgiven, then I in turn must be willing to forgive. So, Bless Your Heart, I forgive you for being a rude, insensitive, arrogant, cruel(insert any adjective that fits the bill,lol) person". then smile sweetly, pat them on the arm and walk away.

Audrey, my first response would be like campanulas - turn the hose on em. But you are doing the smart thing - find out from your HOA rules what you can and cannot do. Then go about making your yard as beautiful as you can. If this troll comes over again - tell her in no uncertain terms this is YOUR yard and you will plant it any way YOU please within boundries of HOA rules and if she comes over again, you will consider her a tresspasser and proceed as needed. You dont need to be kind or make friends with this woman. She wont respect you. Stand up for yourself and let her know this visit will be her last. I could understand if you never mowed your yard or had cars up on blocks....Sounds like she has appointed herself the neighborhood bully. Stand up to her - Bullies tend to back down when they meet resistance. Good luck to you, dont think all Texans are like this - wish you were my neighbor!! Just dont take any duff from her. And plant more roses!!! Good luck......

Audrey, I've sent our 'HOA Board' packing on more than one occasion...I've found that at least with ours that they lack the funds to take anyone to court and compunction to see it through...

I am interested to see if there is truly a 'head landscaper'...in my experience all HOA board members are just people who live in the subdivision and either volunteer for the positions because no one else will do it and then quickly get off (like my DH after our run-ins with our Boards) or those who are busybodies and powerhungry.

Don't let anyone run over you....your yard and garden are your sanctuary and solace from the outside world. For what it's worth, most of my 300+ roses are in my FRONT yard also, which makes us kindred spirits.

Keep up the good fight!