Be careful if you don't know these new people! One person's helpful "neighborliness" is another person's unlawful trespassing. They might take it the wrong way if they catch you.
I remember when I was first in my house, years ago: I was young and only used to living in generic apartment complexes where nobody made any attempt to get to know each other. I couldn't have ever picked any of my neighbors out of a line-up, much less told you what their names were. So I was totally unprepared for my wonderful small-town Deland neighbors, who had all known each other for decades and looked out for each other.
I've learned to really appreciate it now, but the first few times I was startled by finding my neighbor doing something in MY yard (she used to come take my clothes off the line if it looked like rain; and I'd routinely come home to find hedges trimmed or grass mowed or trash cans brought in, etc) I was absolutely horrified! I felt exactly the same way I would have felt if some stranger broke into my house while I was gone and washed all my dirty dishes: not grateful for the clean dishes, just freaked out that someone broke in!
Maybe you should let them know what you're doing and why, so they'll know to be grateful instead of calling the cops!

I understand how you feel, as I have felt the same way. In parking lots when I see trees leaning or bushes unkept I just want to fix them too. Of course when I see things like that at private homes I feel the same way. It makes you feel the plants aren't loved.

If any of you have this 'extra lovin feelin' for plants, feel free and share with mine. While I can see what may need to be done to help someone else's area, I seem to be numb to my own.

thanks in advance in case I am not at home.

Tony

I'll leave a map to my house at Tony's so when you finish there you know where you are needed next!

Kate

I've seen picture's of Tony's and Kate's garden. It's hard to improve on perfection guys. I know what you mean Karen. I'd feel that way too if someone came into my yard. I just can't imagine anyone wanting a deal looking fern in the yard when it can grow back healthy and pretty if the damaged is cut off. Besides they have hurricane shutters on most of the windows, so I don't really think they are garden people. Most of us want to see out to our gardens.
Nancy

Nancy,

have you ever seen what glamour shots can do for the people having their pic taken? Definitely not need at Kate's yard but mine for sure. I lose interest often throughout the year when things like GRT blooms and seeds fall and germinate. Mine has a long long way to go.

Karen,
I couldn't agree more. After having crazy neighbors I'd find BETWEEN my shrubs and my house, routinely rearranging things in my yard, adjusting my staked plants, "evening out" MY lake bank with a shovel (really just slowly eliminating my property, inch by inch), etc, etc, etc, I do not look forward to finding anyone in my yard.

I remember one house I lived in I caught the nasty neighbor digging the swale behind my house . I went out and asked him why and he said he was tired of the water standing in HIS ditch so he wanted to make mine deeper!!!!!I have since learned that tampering with swales is illegal!
The neighbors I have here,,, whew I could write a book about!
If it makes you feel better I find myself pulling a weed or two at the mall and the doctor's.Oh and I can't pass a rose bush without wanting to deadhead. I only do it on county or commercial places though!