Ask Amy: Neighbors’ plant is a Little Shop of Horrors
Explain to them that the plant is very invasive and poisonous to some wildlife.
Offer to redesign and re-landscape the affected area, at your effort and expense.
Do not criticize their yard, their crew, or their taste, but do be honest that the plant is creeping over into your yard, and so your offer has some benefit to you.
Review some options with them for replacing this plant with other low-growing flowering woodland plants (sweet woodruff or myrtle) that won’t create problems.
If they agree, draw up a plan, have them sign a standard contract, and waive all your fees.
Dear Amy: My wife and I read your column in the Washington Post every morning (yes, we still get a newspaper!).
We like to haggle over the questions and your responses. We don’t always agree with each other, or with you.
We do wonder though: Are you ever stumped?
– Faithful Readers
Dear Faithful: I am frequently stumped (“stumped” is more or less my default mode), which is why I rely on my background as a reporter to research answers.
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