Am I being presumptuous and/or arrogant/

Ret EE 4/13/2021, 7:22 pm

my wife (51 years!) and I just purchased a "new' home. We haven't moved in yet and I have workmen making H/C improvements that I require. They have been visited by neighbors asking "Are they going to have a garden?' The previous owner was apparently generous in his sharing of his crop. He had a 17' x 26' raised bed row type garden. 'Great corn and beans' I heard from a lady across the street.

I've got some ideas for implementing a SFG that I can access, but I'm going to need some help getting everything done. I had planned on hiring the help that I need, but... I came up with an idea for a business card with this ' treatise" on the reverse of the 4x4 card with a garden image on the front. So, is it presumptuous?

"Hi, I'm Keith the new co-owner of the Miller property. I'm a retired Electrical Engineer who had a stroke 8/1/10. I've always wanted a garden and from what we've heard Dr. Miller had a good one on this property. I hope to do as well. I'm an inventor (10 patents since the stroke) love to BBQ smoked meats and dabble in Charcuterie per Michael Ruhlman.
With the stroke, I will occasionally require a little help with my Square Foot Garden if you may be interested in participating in one on my 'Garden parties' send me an email.

It sounds like they are going to be expecting "a share' anyway, so??

So if you found one of these on your door what would you think? I suspect that this is one of those "If you have to ask" questions.

Thanks,
Keith

OhioGardener 4/13/2021, 8:12 pm

If I were expecting a neighbor to provide me with vegetables because someone else did, I would think I were being arrogant & presumptuous. But, on the other hand, if someone left a note like that on my door I would consider them arrogant & presumptuous, and I would not respond to it.

I grow a lot of extra vegetables since our family is just two people now, and I frequently call neighbors to see if they would like some of the extras. Sometimes they say they don't need any at the time, and other times they say they would love the vegetables. And sometimes I just donate the extras to the local food pantry/soup kitchen - they are always glad to have them. But, I have never had a neighbor call me to ask if they can get some vegetables.

Just my .02 cents worth, with change, and taken with a grain of salt....

Ret EE 4/13/2021, 8:46 pm

The fact that so many asked worried me. It's probably best to let them begin the discussion.

OhioGardener 4/13/2021, 8:50 pm

Ret EE wrote: It's probably best to let them begin the discussion.

I agree. Unless you have extra vegetables you want to get rid of, then call or visit them to ask if they would like them.

markqz 4/13/2021, 11:03 pm

You could grow mostly green leafy vegetables the first year. Only gardeners and health food addicts get excited about kale, chard, and broccoli Smile

OhioGardener 4/14/2021, 8:22 am

Grow something they don't like to eat! Love it!

**Scorpio Rising** 4/14/2021, 4:09 pm

Boy, I can’t believe that honestly. My garden is mine to give. Or not? I would grow only what I like to eat. Not what they want?

I too at times have extras, but have never been asked....just offered. I don’t know that I would open that door. Too soon?

mollyhespra 4/16/2021, 1:20 pm

Yea, I'm not sure I'd put it out there at this point in time. I'd maybe have a garden party once you've moved in and invite all the neighbors to your bbq. I'm sure you'll hear all about how wonderful the garden was, etc. You can then feel them out so to speak and figure out if anyone actually *is* expecting a cut (which does sound incredibly presumptuous) and take it from there. It may just be that the garden is an easy "intro" to chat with your contractors and they're not *really* expecting (maybe just hoping) anything from you. Good luck and keep us posted!

cholyk 4/18/2021, 10:44 am

I think the garden could be a great conversation starter with your neighbours. I suspect, if the wanted to garden, they would have their own garden. But maybe you can start small within your functional abilities while you're getting to know people. Who knows what might grow from there.

I like to think the best about people and your future neighbours may have been curious to know if the new guy was also an avid gardner, but I doubt they expect a stranger to give them vegetables!

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Am I being presumptuous and/or arrogant/

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I think I'll just do my thing

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