Changes Under The Red Umbrella

For as long as I've lived here, the house next door has been empty.
(See 'My Neighbor's Manihot') At first it was an empty OLD house, with a wild, overgrown garden that poured over the fence. Then it became an empty NEW house; remodeled and expanded from top to bottom, just in time for the housing slump. During the remodel the garden was cleared, a rather shocking change.

But look how some of my neighbor's plants returned to help. Slender Manihots, from seeds her trees flung into my garden. Vigorous (but firmly contained) running Bamboo along the walk, and a sturdy Fig tree (that actually crawled under the fence) sheltering the Red Umbrella corner. I like that her garden continues in mine, and hope someone thinks as generously about MY bamboo one day!

But other changes are afoot under the Red Umbrella. Everything looks normal, right? Look closer and you can see a whole lot of daylight coming through that fence, because the large shed on the other side was removed by the (drumroll) New Neighbors (who moved in while I was out of town recently-surprise!)

3/4" spaces between the boards, and some very large knotholes are making my formerly uber-private little nook feel a little exposed. I mean, I can see their STUFF over there!

Gaining visual privacy won't be difficult. The Boston Ivy is on its way, and I've got some fun ideas for the fence. What I wonder is, how will they be using THEIR corner? Will it be a patio, a vegetable garden, a hot tub? A children's play area? A meditation garden?

It will be interesting to see what happens. I've been fortunate to have such a quiet, private spot for years; now it's time for things to be different. With every change comes opportunity.

Maybe I can interest them in a nice shrubbery!