College girl's entitled parents demand access to the neighbor's garden, long-time resident puts them in their place with the facts: 'The garden is [mine], it cost me 30% more than the top flats'

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  Woman talking with the new neighbor from behind her garden fence.

  (Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.)

• Gardens and outdoor spaces are a hot commodity. My husband and I were lucky enough to be in the home-buying market when rates were still low, but we certainly weren't rich enough to be able to afford a house, apartment, or condo with a yard. Could we ever? I suppose that's the 30-year-old mentality in me that screams I'll never own the white picket fence with no HOA. Yet, comparably, it seems every Gen Xer and Boomer expects their home to come with an outdoor area where they can garden, suntan, and shmooze the pool boy, whereas younger generations have far lower expectations. Any home with an outdoor area is a luxury. 

  The parents of this college girl were clearly aghast when they found out that the garden in their daughter's new neighbor's yard was private. So close, yet so far away, the parents insisted that their daughter have access to the neighbor's garden, but instead, they were faced with an egregious reality check. 

• New Neighbours parents want access to my private garden

  
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  Woman waiving at the new neighbors on move in day.

  (Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.)

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  Senior woman is enjoying her outdoor space in the garden. 

  (Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.)

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• The daughter, likely a pragmatist, was mortified when her pushy, entitled parents continued to berate the neighbor for access to her garden. Not only did the neighbor help them move boxes into the upstairs unit, she was also gracious enough to give the girl, her soon-to-be new neighbor, the benefit of the doubt. 

  Instead of insinuating that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, the neighbor is going to be cool about the new girl moving into the complex, but she certainly won't be relinquishing any rights to her private garden. Sorry, sweetie, these outdoor areas come at a cost, and this tenant wasn't willing to give up so easily. 

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• Recently, I cleared off the balcony at my apartment. Now, because of my newfound organization and spring cleaning, I can enjoy the outdoors again! Watching the hummingbirds race to my birdfeeder and waving at the neighbors as they pass may sound like the kinds of activities that a retiree may enjoy, but the feeling is universal. Sometimes, being outside is healing and wondrous, which is why a garden, a yard, or a 5'x10' balcony must be appreciated at all costs. 

  Perhaps the next time these parents line up an apartment for their babyygirl, they'll be more aware of the logistics and the realities of apartment living. 

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