How many of you will stop and talk to people about..

How many of you will stop and talk to people about plants in the yard?

There's this one house down the road a-ways she's got flowers galore. I mean gazillions of flowering plants. Its a pastel scheme too. Her house is pink and EVERYthing around her house complements that pink. I'll try and take a picture

Anyways, Lots of homes around here have neat looking plants. I'm a teensy weensy timid of going to talk with them. If you do this, how do you spark off a conversation?

I have stopped while on a walk with the little dog to talk to people who are out in their yards. The easiest way is to complement the garden. I love it when people say something nice about my flowers and I am only too happy to talk gardening, even with strangers.

Oh, if I see anyone out in the yard I will stop to compliment them to get a conversation going. Sometimes you can wind up with goodies cause they will share. That's nice to find someone near you to trade with and to get ideas. Jenny

I live in a small (pop. 1200) town and people here are always stopping to ask "what is that red flower" or make a comment on my flowerbed. An elderly lady across the street waited until spring when I was ouside, and then approached me to ask what all the plants were in my bay window all winter (brugs). She must have really been curious because she had all these theories about what the plants could be and why there were more this year than the year before and what I might be planning to do with them. I then realized that she must have been scoping out the house for quite awhile, and wondered what she made of the "blue glow" of the fluorescent lights over my seed starting trays - I left them on pretty much 24/7 for a couple months!

I have stopped and talked plants with people and have made great friends.

If the person was near the street, I might make a comment, but I would never knock on the door and ask someone about a plant and I would never, ever out of the blue ask a stranger for a cutting or plantlet. Around here, people don't seem to be out in their front yards all that much anyway.

On the other hand, I am always hoping that someone will ask for some of aloes in the front yard, before they take over the place.

Some people walk up our steep street for exercise, but they are usually on the other side of the street (I don't know why - more shade in the morning maybe?) and walking for exercise is usually done in the morning, while I am work. I have heard people talking among themselves about our wisteria, but I don't think anyone ever said anything to me about it. I present a guarded facade, but once you get past that, I'm o.k.

If somebody is close enough to for conversation I say hello, how pretty the plants are or ask about something. Most gardeners are happy to talk to another gardener.

If someone is out, I always ask!!! Meet so many nice folks that way. I have never gone to the door/knocked and asked tho. My gardens are all in the back of my house, so no one ever visits except my friends. Went on a garden tour last year and admired some flowers, and the gal got out her shovel and sent me home with four huge hellebores! yahoo. that was wonderful!!

If somebody ever asked me about my gardens, I'd be elated to show them around. :) I've actually had friends over, and I've told them, "you might get bored, but can I show off my gardens a little?" :) I would glady talk about my flowers if I'm already outside. If someone knocked on my door or rang my doorbell to ask about a plant, I'll be honest - I'd think they were nebby and intrusive.

I would be afraid to ask anyone around about their gardens, though. I'm more likely to ask somebody "what's that plant?" if they're at a garden nursery. There, it's a little more "territory neutral", and less likely to make someone nervous.

This is rural arkansas

We dont have sidewalks to casually stroll by and "catch" our neighbors outside.

I live in a small Alaskan town, or 4 miles outside of town, that is. Our yard is surrounded by trees, unviewable from the road when all the wild plants and trees leaf out in the spring. If it weren't for my little nursery business, I doubt folks would know what an Eden we have. Once they visit, though, they always come back, and nobody ever leaves here empty handed. In addition to their purchases, I send them off with snips and bits from my gardens, and they usually get a six pack of violas to get them started in their gardens.

Since I am so 'into' plants, I sometimes forget that many folks like to grow pretty flowers, but have no idea what they are... they just like them because they are pretty and give them pleasure. It's pretty funny when people point to my tulips in the spring and tell me what lovely poppies I have!

But, when you get right down to it, I'm just glad my flowers give them pleasure, and it's always a pleasure to be stopped in the grocery store or post office by a customer who is having success. They rush up to me with wided-eyed wonderment to tell me that their plants came up this spring and are blooming.

Customer or not, everyone who shows the slightest interest in my gardens gets a tour. Even old gardener friends who have seen it a hundred times will get out of their car and automatically head around my yard for a 'walk about'. No matter who it is or when it is, folks love to share their gardens, so I'll bet most would invite you in, if you give them a compliment or two.

I don't think I'd care to be invited into a stranger's house. A girl can't be too careful, you know. My generation and those younger have been very well taught to be afraid of strangers.

We have a scheme here where people open their private gardens for charity days throughout the growing season so some of the nervousness of making that first statement is removed because that's partly why you're there. If I see the gardener I'll often say how pretty their garden is, it's always a good start and most people are happy to talk.

On the other hand the neighbours visitors sometimes go to one of their bedrooms to peek into our garden to see what we're growing this year and how we have done our containers etc. Terribly embarrassing since there are piles of rubbish everywhere and it gets very untidy at times. The front garden is a different matter. As it's a wild garden, it always looks abandoned, at first they wouldn't comment but now they say if they've seen an interesting moth or dragonfly fliting about. We enjoy the comments we get 9 times out of 10 and are always prepared to stop and chat if we are out the front.

If you feel uncomfortable knocking on their door, why not drop a note in their mailbox? Just say how much you enjoy their garden and how beautifully it compliments their house. You might write something like this on a garden-themed card:

Dear Mrs. ..

Your gardens brings such beauty to our street. I really enjoy looking at them! I've always wanted to tell you this, and maybe talk gardening with you, but haven't wanted to invade your privacy by just coming up and knocking at your door announced. I thought this note might be a good way to introduce myself...

Then go on and share a little about your love of gardening, and include your name and address and, if you want, your phone number.

P.S. If you're not sure of their names, you may find that info at http://www.reverseaddress.com/

That's such a great note gardenwife! I think I'll use that idea :)

The pink house I mentioned above is located on a very busy highway. I drive by at least twice a day and see her out occasionally. Maybe I'll take a chance drive-by one morning and see if she enjoys her mornings outside. LOL I sound like a stalker now.

People have slowed down when driving past my house to look at my garden because it takes up most of the front yard. All the other houses on the street are grass and evergreens-how boring! I feel so flattered when I see people looking. I'm glad that other people enjoy my flowers too.

Most gardeners love to talk" gardening" If you comment on their garden and they don't sound interested, then you know they don't want to be bothered! I have yet to run across someone unfriendly! Everyone has a bad day so don't take it personally! A nice comment is always appreciated! You may find a real garden buddy!
Bonnie

Kelli, these are all good ways to get gardening buddies, but I am with you and wouldn't knock on doors or go inside at all. Just a friendly chat in the yard. As ladyblue says everyone has times when they don't want company. Many of us who are "slightly" older are not as cautious as we should be in these times. It is a sad commentary on our society when a few rotten apples can spoil everything. But I have found people are really friendly and wanting to discuss their efforts and accomplishments. There are some elderly gardeners who basically have no one to interact with. Maybe we could brighten their life just by making a nice comment about their yard or a particular shrub. Jenny

I have to say I like the "note" idea if no one is out and about.

When I lived in Atlanta (and didn't garden) I had a useless glass porch, very visible from the street. My mother made a life-size human figure and I'd "dress" it, changing the theme every couple of weeks.

I cannot tell you how pleased I was at the slips of notes left in my mailbox... stories of people who changed their driving route just to see what was next... or who had children insistent at seeing every new display.

I always love it when people ask me about my garden, and from reading everyone's notes, I believe most gardeners appreciate the acknowledgement of their hard work. I think the note is a lovely idea, and it probably means a lot to the folks to know someone cared enough to write a note.

When I suggested gardeners would invite you in, I meant into their gardens or yards. I was imagining a situation in which the gardener is out in the yard and the interested party is passing by. If you offer a compliment, you can usually tell from the response whether further conversation is welcome. Sometimes people are very busy or tired, or maybe twelve other passersby have offered comment... you just never know.

If you visit my garden, have no fear that I will lure you into my house... it's such an awful mess in the summer that I'd be embarassed!

I think everyone likes to "link" thru something as neutral as a garden/flowers/plants. Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet and many wonderful friendships have been born out of garden/plant sharing. I always think to ask a question about a plant (EVERYone loves to be asked a question they can answer with certainty). Questions are a wonderful entre...

There is a wonderful bond between growers of anything (plants, birds, dogs....) Around here there is a saying, "Who needs nurseries when you have friends". I have left notes in mailboxes and stopped to talk to folks about their gardens. Sincerity is alway detectable...

Risk it...everyone is shy but someone has to break the ice!!!

Aloha

It's funny, but I always make the assumption that anyone with a beautiful garden is OK. I wonder if Ted Bundy or John Wayne Gasey had a garden?

I doubt they would have had the time or inclination for a garden. Maybe they would never have begun their horrible acts if they had gardened (they would have been too busy for sure).

LOL

Does the phrase: "Gardening for the soul" fit?

Most times I have my camera with me and when I see a "picture perfect" garden I'll stop and ask permission to snap a few photos. I introduce myself by telling them I'm the gardening columnist for the local paper.

Even before I started my column I was stoppin in unannounced to ask folks if I could see their pretty flowers. They usually didn't mind at all and were very accomodating.

Although one time down in South Carolina a big ol' dog got kinda aggravated that I didn't ask him first before comin through the front gate. I made a hasty retreat!

TC...

I've been admiring a garden of hollyhocks for 2 years. The other evening on my way home from work, I pulled into the driveway and knocked on the door. The man that answered the door said, "You want to talk to someone who knows what they are; I'll get her." My question, "I've admired the hollyhocks and would like to know what you do to keep them in great shape." Her answer was 'Inherit them. They came with the house." We proceded to tour the yard, talked plants and she insisted on digging up a couple hollyhocks for me. It was wonderful. Take the plunge...they can only send you on your way or you'll both have a great experience.

Joanvt...You are right on!! I would knock...and Sami and I did when I was visiting her in NC last month...she made a nice friend, found out what the name of her tree was and got a few seedlings in the deal. Jo

I love to drive around and look at people's garden, but I've only actually talked to one person. I pass her house almost every day, and she has the most beautiful hostas. One day my DH and I were walking around the neighborhood, and she happened to be outside. My husband, being more out going than I, and also knowing that I'd been wanting to, complimented her, and asked her what her secret was for growing such healthy hostas (we had recently purchased some, and wanted to know). Anyway, she shared her secrets, and we just talked a while about family and church, and plants. I really should go back sometimes and just visit, but I'm I have a problem with low self esteem, and am a bit afraid to. I guess that's far too much info.(lol) Now everyone knows I'm afraid of people.
Jennifer

teehee!! Jdee I think that lack of self assurance is more common that you think! It's uncomfortable to talk with new people.

Sure is. I can talk to strangers who have no preconceived idea of me, but if I am put in a situation where people expect a certain behavior (or I think they expect it), I feel so self-conscious!

People stop and talk to me all the time when I'm out in the garden. Gardens are great conversation pieces. Just saying "I love your garden" and "could you tell me what that is?" can end up starting a friendship - and who knows - maybe even add another member to Dave's.

Shy, not me!! I am probably the most out going person around. I love people and enjoy sharing my interest in gardening.

When I'm working out in my front garden, there are many people that stop by and tell me what a lovely garden I have and many times ask me about a certain plant. Just today, a women driving by, stopped for a moment to tell me how much she enjoyed my garden.Many of the plants I grow, aren't found at Home Depot, so they've never seen them before. I will always share my plants with anyone that wants anything, in fact, sometimes I have to beg people to take some plants.

When I go for a walk, if l come across a nice garden and the person is outside, I also stop to talk gardening. To me, gardeners are the friendliest people on earth.

Donna

Bet your bottom dollar I'd march my bottom right up to someones yard- wrestle the dog and sidestep an ant hill- just to ask what strain of violet that is! LOL

It would get annoying after a while though. There are some gorgeous yards in Lynn Haven/Callaway/Millville/St.Andrews. Just some old old OLD homes with anceint oaks and what not. wowzers.

Gardeners are some of the best people! LOL Not that I'm biased or anything, muhahhaa.

I guess I don't feel I can talk intelligently about it, because of my lack of experience.

See, that's the beauty. Human nature is, people like to talk about themselves. One of the best ways to have a conversation is to ask that person about his/herself and garden....Then listen actively, ask questions. Most gardeners love to share and get others excited about it.

GW, yup....that's exactly what I like to do.

I agree with all of you.... The garden is the other grandchild, child, best friend. It makes us feel good to show our pride...

I like to take strolls around the area and look at other peoples yards. If they are outside I always greet them with a good morning/afternoon and a smile. If their response is receptive, I ask about a plant that catches my eye or compliment their garden.

I have met many people this way. Some become friends and others remain nodding aquaintances. I do not make a habit of knocking on doors although I have done so to ask permission to take a picture of something unusual like a arched potato vine fence.

People in small rural towns tend to be more open to this approach but to be honest, it worked just fine in Los Angeles and Las Vegas too. Although, I must admit that in L.A. many people will look away so as not to make eye contact with strangers walking down the street. But for every 1 person that turned away there were 50 that smiled back and seemed genuinely glad for the opportunity to acknowledge another human in such a simple way.