When I came home last weekend there was a huge stack of mail to go through. And what do you know… there was a letter from the HOA. Remember all that ivy I pulled up from the side yard and transplanted in January? Well it seems someone on the snoopervising committee FINALLY realized I did it. Which makes me kind of wonder what took them so long.
Did someone report me? Do they seriously go around and look at each and every property in here looking for anything amiss? Do they have one of those google maps vehicles and take pictures of everyone’s property? Is someone on the committee reading this blog? Does the fact that tons of other people have {manicured} ivy growing on their hillsides matter? If they hate ivy why don’t the other people have to remove theirs?
Basically they are requesting I remove it. So does that mean I have to remove it?
They were also kind enough to include a list of approved trees and plants I can use in place of the ivy. But of course before I can plant any of their “pre-approved” plants, I would have to draw out another detailed map and submit it for approval.
Luckily, I’ve decided to play their game. Why? Because the way I see it, I’ve only got 19 months to go before we can sell this place. It’s like doing time, with a good attitude. We knew when we bought the house it wasn’t our forever home. But {visually} it is a great neighborhood, with great walking trails and it’s super close to amenities. Our plan was to fix it up and re-sell it, and let me tell you Bob, that is what we are going to do.
So if you have any pink flamingos you are willing to part with, please send them my way. I read through the CC&R’s…. and there is nothing against pink flamingos in the yard. Yet.
~Mavis
Pink Flamingo Sanctuary {Gnomes and dream-catchers are welcome too!}
C/O Mavis Butterfield
P.O. Box 2083
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Jill Frank says
This is why we avoid HOAs. It is actually why we have decided against neighborhoods all together and now live on a small farm. There are a few times the kids miss the neighbors, but we can do whatever we want and have whatever animals we want. Our neighbors probably don’t like our rooster crowing, but I do so he stays.
Sarah says
I would show original pics of the house and argue it was there prior. Is there any benefit of a hoa? Thankfully trees hide any craziness our neighbors may have and let us be. Outside of new structures no one cares what happens.
jeri says
Pink flamingos? You just made my morning! I love your humor and rebellion! As John Lennon sang, “Power to the people, right on!”
I only wish I had some to send to you!
Heidi P says
Oh my, I’m so sorry. We’ve never lived in an HOA controlled community and thanks to your blog NEVER will. Good luck and here is hoping the next 19 months go quickly.
Judy Anderson says
We purposely have not purchased a home with an HOA for exactly this reason. If you are paying for your home and property, you should be allowed to do whatever you want with your property as long as it is not devaluing the other homes. Everything you are doing is more than improving the home and neighborhood value. Hang in there. It won’t be long!
Heidi P says
Oh ya, I am now on the hunt for yard ornamentation for you.
Melissa says
OMG! Are you kidding!!! I’m with Heidi…this is lawn ornamentation war! Look out Freecycle and ebay, here I come!
MaryW says
They sound like power hungry jerks. Never buy a home with an HOA.
Sara says
Every time I read stories like yours I am reminded over and over why I moved from an uber strict HOA enforced neighborhood to our new home where I get to decide when and what I want to do with my house and property.. Hope the next 19 months fly by for you… yeesh!
Rita says
Since the ivy was there when you bought the house (you just relocated it), seems to me you have a case for keeping it if you wanted to. Also, are they making other people remove their ivy ? And now that I see Gig Harbor, it all makes sense. We lived 30 years in various homes in Tacoma, Sumner Puyallup, and Bonney Lake. We loved going to GH for lunch but it always seemed too “stuck up” for our lifestyle.
Londa Marie says
I lived in Gig Harbor for a while and it is a very beautiful area. Fortunately, we had private property without any type of restrictions from anyone telling us what we could do with the land. I miss the water and the rolling hills. As an Aquarian it soothed me to live in this magical place.
I’m a lover of the pink flamingo and the freedom from societies beige color scheme. Run Forrest, run!!!
tc says
Mavis, tell that snoopervising committee that you will be more than happy to remove the ivy when everyone else who has it has removed theirs and when they can explain to you why it was okay in the side yard before you moved in.
I can’t wait for you to get out of there.
Robin Wright says
I’m waiting my time out too! I will never, ever buy in a HOA again. Good luck to you. You’re going to need it.
Judy says
I have a large BIGFOOT statue that my husband gave me as a joke. Wouldn’t that be a hoot in your lawn?
LOL
Mandy P says
That is tremendous! You need one of those, Mavis!
Annie says
Haha! Judy, do you live in Nebraska? Our neighbors have one and we LOVE it!!! The boys get such a kick out of it every time we pass by. They even put a Santa hat on it at Christmastime. 😀
Allison says
OMG! You are awesome!!!
I do have an alternative thought- with all your experience with gardening and landscaping maybe you should JOIN the ‘ACC’.
1.) To cut down on the crazy control they are trying to exert on others and maybe loosen up the bylaws
2.) ‘Its not what you know, its who you know’ can go a long way in these situations 😉
Until then… I’m trying to decide which of my lawn ornaments needs to take a flight via FedEx from Central Texas up to your new sanctuary in Washington. You know- to help out the cause.
-Allison
Sarah says
This is a valid approach. My friend wanted a deck bigger than allowed by her HOA, so she joined the appropriate committee and ultimately ended up with a gigantic deck.
Trish K says
I couldn’t survive in an HOA controlled environment. I’m afraid I’d end up doing hard time. Wish I had a ton of pink flamingos to send you!
Lisa Millar says
You are hilarious… can’t wait to see your flamingo decorated yard and read a stack of frantic HOA mail after they call emergency meetings to deal with the Pink Flamingo Crisis! Should be brilliant!
Still… I bet its a lot easier to deal with HOA’s knowing its all a means to an end.
Pity I am so far away… I have some lovely little stone wombats that would look cute with your gnomes! 🙂
Sandie Apuzzo says
I too, would question A) why was it on your property in the first place and B) if it was already on my property why can I not move it around the property? I understand the pick your battles stance, but they are really being a bit ridiculous. On that note, I am going to find some gnomes in my garage to send to you………
Claire says
So glad you are not planning on living there, where ever that might be. Never would I live in such pkace with HOA.
Dale says
HOA’s are evil incarnate. They are expressly set up by the builder to maintain the properties at a certian level until they have sold all the properties then they couldn’t care less. I believe that HOA’s reduce property value and should be illegal. Here is a website that targets the worst of the HOA Abuses. You should go to 5the next HOA meeting and recommend they adopt this HOA Bill of Rights and or call for a vote to disband the HOA. Where do you want the Yard Art sent?
http://www.hoacorruption.com/homeowners-bill-of-rights-1
Katie P NC says
Holy heck this made me laugh out loud. I agree, why is it not ok to have transplanted it from another part of the property where it was deemed acceptable by HOA? You have documented proof that it was just moved around within the yard, ugh, all that “extra” work you did.
I can’t wait to see what the response to the flamingos is!
Andi says
My church has done a fundraiser for youth events where you can pay $20 and a FLOCK of flamingos would be delivered to the address of your choice, in the middle of the night. This year, we’re flinging 22″ rubber chickens into the yard. (The event is called CHIC, so we have CHIC(kens). Wish you were an hour and a half closer; I’d send them to the HOA committee’s yards. (The recipient pays $20 to have them moved on to the next place.)
Michele says
OMgoodness…I love it!!
Heidi P says
This is AWESOME!
Katie says
HA! Nearly 2 years ago we started cleaning up our front yard. Taking out overgrown bushes, trees, etc. Someone complained and the cops showed up and told us we needed to clean up the mess we were making. We live in a city. We don’t have a HOA. We said no one complained that you practically needed a machete to get through the yard but when we started to clean it up, then they had a problem? I told my mom to either put thousands of pink flamingos, or just tear up everything since you obviously aren’t allowed to touch YOUR YARD and just have a giant mud pit.
Brandie says
Those chicken licks! Good luck with the HOA. I will look around for a pink flamingo!
Michele says
Here in Buffalo, NY the Pink Flamingo (note the caps) is known as the Polish National Bird. It seems that people from my ancestor’s neck of the woods LOVE their pink birds! (and so do I), so I will not part with any of mine, but if I come across any that are not loved, I will let you know. Good grief, what you have gone through, girl!!!!
Michelle S. says
Since when is foxglove a shrub?
Sherry in Sumner says
Get out of there quick, Mavis. They’ll be after your children next!
Laurie says
Unbelievable! Someone rode around to see what people were doing wrong with their yards! They need to take that time and devote it to a charity instead! Better use of time! May the next 19 months go by fast!
Sarah says
Your flamingo request gave me my first chuckle of the day. Thanks, Mavis!
Nineteen months is going to fly by. Hang in there.
jen says
And this is why I fought to move to a no HOA area. ..the city regs are quite ridiculous enough. I have mooning gnome, but sadly, he is aimed at the neighbor that keeps accidently spraying weed killer into our yard as he kills his nonexistent weeds. But…they are out there! I’ll see if I can find another.
Kelly says
AHHH HOAs are the WORST!! Our last house had a HOA and it drove me bonkers. Unfortunately, we kept that house as a rental when we moved, so I still get letters if our renters aren’t complying… I hate the huge power trip that it gives these HOA overseers. This is ridiculous, especially with how great of a job you have always done with keeping your yard and gardens so lovely.
susan says
Are toilets called out as forbidden? You are quite the gardener and I can just visualize an old potty on your front lawn, filled with flowers (be sure to get some that can cascade down the side) that brighten anyones day that drives by! 🙂 You are hilarious Mavis! Looking forward to the next round…
Sue says
I too have used old porcelain toilets as planters. The best thing to plant in them? Why — PEAS, of course! :-))
Constance Wheeler says
Oh Lord !! What’s next? And don’t you dare move to the East Coast !!! We love you over here on the West Coast !!! Yep, I’m looking for pink flamingos too !! Let us know how many you want !! I have a couple old toilets, an old white pedestal sink, some old metal washtubs and a couple rusted water troughs .. might just find a nice place for them on my decks or in the yard .. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder !!
PattyB says
Maybe you should inundate them with plans. They can’t keep up with you anyway so every time you have an idea, submit a plan. That should be very frequently . Hmmm. Today I think I’ll plant 1,400 tulip bulbs right here. Tomorrow I think I plant 2,000 daffodils over there. And in the garden I’m planting 700 radish seeds, 80 lettuce seeds and these pumpkins on the hill behind the patio. Etc.
Geeze… if you wait for them to consider your plans then they might take too long and it would be past the ideal planting time.
JC says
Oh man Pink Flamingos sound like the perfect way to get back at the HOA its complete bull what they are doing to you!
Sherry says
I hope your time there flies by. I guess there are those who love control such as this. 🙁 I guess you will know if they are reading your blog if there is an emergency meeting to add lawn ornaments to the banned list, LOL!
Challice Neipp says
*Thud*
Wow. Talk about power control.
Liz says
First off I’ll say HOAs can suck it. For real. And I’m here giggling evilly at the flamingos. I’m sure they’ll think they’re AWESOME 😉
That being said, I’m not too surprised they weren’t excited about the ivy. Honestly, purposefully planting english ivy is kinda akin to purposefully planting himalayan blackberries. Or being that guy who brought over scotch broom because he thought it was pretty. If you were planning on making this a fairly permanent residence it would be a little different because you’d be there to literally tend to what you’ve sewn. But planting an incredibly invasive species when you’re not planning on being there for much over a year? The HOA might be right on this one.
Granted I may be a little bitter on the subject because when I turn around and look out the window what do I see? English freaking Ivy. That someone planted and left…. That’s half way up the huge doug fir that’s not far from the house (yikes)…. That’s completely demolished anything that looks like landscaping. 🙁
Which brings me to why they probably haven’t made other people remove the ivy on their property (and the problem I have right now): “One does not simply REMOVE english ivy” My goats have been working on it though. :-/
Liz says
Your blog took my brackets a little too literally. It’s supposed to say (Insert Aragorn meme) ” One does not simply…” Hopefully you’re geeky enough that that makes sense. It’s better with an actual picture because Aragorn. I’m going to shut up now :-p
Theresa says
I must agree about the English Ivy. Maybe they want it removed because it’s an invasive plant. But why didn’t they tell the last occupant and why not the neighbors that have it. I’m not a fan of English Ivy. It can take over rather quickly.
Joanna says
They might not tell the owners that have it because the ivy could have been grandfathered in, and/or that ripping out the existing ivy and replacing it with an approved groundcover would be expensive for the homeowners. An ‘If you have it now, it can stay, but no new ivy can be put in’.
Though i wouldn’t put it past most HOAs to make homeowners rip out existing and pay for the replacement.
Jenn says
I would so be going to the next HOA meeting and tell the HOA where they could stick it. I can’t believe that you are doing improvements to your yard and they don’t like it. But I’m so sending you a pink flamingo!
Pam says
Left the big city a couple of years ago when we bought out little piece of heaven in the sticks. We remodeled both bathrooms last year – recycled sinks and tubs into other uses (outside sinks for the chicken coop and guinea coop and the bathtubs are now animal troughs) but found ourselves with 2 toilets and no place to reuse/recycle. They’ve been sitting in the barn since last fall and I finally talked the hubby into letting me do what I wanted to do with them. I now have back to back toilets in the side yard with impatiens planted in both tanks and tulips and daffodils planted in the bowls. I think they’ll be GORGEOUS when they all bloom. And I LOVE that I can do this in my own yard. It may not be everyone’s taste but it sure makes me smile every time I see it.
Paula says
OMG…….unbelievable….don’t these people have anything better to do????? Maybe they need to READ your blog and they
d realize how you are IMPROVING the neighborhood.
Sue says
Is there anything in the CCR about parking an El Camino in front? I envision a pink one (to match the flamingos) with a bountiful veggie garden growing in the bed.
Other Sue says
I love that!!
Mary West says
I used to live across the street from the queen of code enforcement. She drove me crazy until I carefully read the code and realized there was nothing against art in your front yard. I covered the yard with flamingos, hung wind chimes EVERYWHERE (she really hated chimes) and put up a bottle tree which is a recognized art form from 4th century Africa. I made her life as miserable as she had made mine. We’re out in the country now with no code — kinda miss her.
Peggy says
Sorry you’re going through this. It sounds like you’ll be on the East Coast soon! Hang in there with the sneaky and uppity hoa.
Vicki says
Put some old recliners on the front porch to divert their attention from the ivy.
Kim says
Why do you have to have an approved plant approved? Enough said.
Beverly says
I detest HOAs. I was a legal Secretary for years and always had clients fighting them for silly reasons like not being able to park in your driveway… Vehicle has to be in garage. Even if it is in your garage, you weren’t allowed to work on it. By the way, at least two plants on the approved list are poison to animals.
Rebecca says
Hi Mavis,
Love the pink flamingos idea.
I always wondered how downsizing meant buying two houses, but since you are flipping one, I think I understand now. Does that mean that you will be moving full-time to the Northeast and just one home?
Best,
Kristina says
Welcome to an HOA community. It will never end because there will always be someone ready to “report” you to whichever committee deals with landscape issues. And the ivy? Yes, you need to remove it now that you have been informed that it wasn’t approved. Why? You will likely get fined because these types of changes have to be approved (which in itself is crazy). Why is established ivy better than newly planted? Who knows. Maybe an old committee years ago allowed it. But whatever the reason it isn’t allowed now. It totally doesn’t make any sense but this type of crazy random rules business is the reason why so many people hate HOAs (and refuse to live in one) and why you have to realize that you give up pretty much all control of your yard and home exterior when you move into one. Good luck in surviving the next 19 months.
Dawn says
I agree with the others-why was it allowed before you moved in? Why are others allowed to have it? On another note, I knew someone who had HOA troubles and they decided to put a couple of old toilets in their front yard with native plants planted in it. Nothing in the bylaws said they couldn’t. They did get permission to have the native plants in their front yard, though, without specifying that they would not be in the ground. Something to think about….
Robbin says
I love the pink flamingos!!! There was a pig with angel wings that lighted up at KMart at Christmas. That would have also been great to add to your yard. If I find any flamingos this summer at garage sales I’ll make sure to send them your way!
Dawn B. says
They really should know better than to piss off a blogger.
Teri says
Good Grief; I feel your pain. I’d be tempted to point out the other ivy growing areas in the neighborhood and ask them why it’s growing there.
Tracey says
Stupid HOA, don’t they have better things to do with their time? I sent you something for your yard 😉
Carolyn says
The Pink Flamingo Sanctuary just made my day! You’ve now become my official favorite blog. You were in a tie for first but you’ve taken the lead – thanks for the laugh! I love your sense of humor!!
RebekahU says
Mavis – I do believe that you have a hater in your neighborhood who is also a blog reader who has a vow to make your life miserable. I am sooooooooooooo happy to hear that you were already planning to move – because living life while a HOA troublemaker snoopervises you would be zero fun. What losers!!! How about planting from seed an invasive species – like tansy – or dandelions (or something like that) – or dollar weed – that the seed could be scattered at night, and then miraculously seem to appear? Or on those long walks you take with Lucy, scattering a little invasive seed here and there as you walk… That is truly a really bad thought, and I am sad that I shared it with you, but I am feeling less angst about your HOA now…
Crystal says
Unfortunately that would have some potential serious side effects on whatever nature is in the area. I would hate to introduce an invasive species, when we spend so much time fighting back the ones that have already been introduced here.
Donna Perdue says
We have a HOA and while I completely understand all they do to maintain our neighborhood, that ivy deal goes a little too far. We can’t have a clothesline outside, no signs in the yard other than a real estate sign, no boat trailers in our driveways (has to go in the community storage lot), and no outside storage buildings. I had to get approval for a split rail fence, dusk to dawn light, and the arbor I installed over my sidewalk (lest it be deemed a detached structure). And yes some of my friendly neighbors do ride around and check out the neighborhood- most of them are retired with nothing better to do. One of them put a new neighbor up to complaining about my outdoor light as it disrupts their stargazing. I still have the light. Needless to say I pretty much avoid most of them.
Diana says
Go Mavis! Shame on me, but I’m being thoroughly entertained by this whole HOA thing. I wonder what they would think of my neighbor down the street with the toilet leaning up against the front of the house, sitting under the ladder propped up so they can climb up and adjust the TV rabbit ears mounted to their roof gutter. Which is why I choose to live in this neighborhood. NO rules! (Although I do admit, I am glad that house is way down the street from me.)
Barbee says
I have a 2.5 acre lakeside lot w/ an HOA and STILL I have roosters crowing at the crack of dawn, cows and horses (getting loose) trampling my lawn and vegetable garden AND viscous dogs menacing me in my own driveway…God forbid my mailbox design does not conform w/ the communities’ ‘high’ standards.
Sandra says
From your first HOA post, I surmised you are a fellow GH resident. My sympathies. My sister and I both live here, both in neighborhoods with neofascist-run HOAs. Her code enforcers actually came into her yard and COUNTED the weeds. There is a fine per weed. There is a fine for each day past trash pick up you leave your can in front of your house. Pink flamingos are expressly forbidden (so she put up a turquoise one!) Ours has given me flak for the ivy on my property – which I didn’t plant. If I ever have to buy again in a neighborhood run by an HOA, I will insist on seeing the prior ten years of minutes from the board of directors meetings and annual meetings, as well as a balance sheet, income and expense report and reserve study.
About the ivy: although the state considers it an invasive plant, you can contain it if you put a wide boarder around it and keep it trimmed. The next owner might not want to do that maintenance, though.
Roberta says
The approved plant list misspelled rhododendron. At least they can’t penalize you for taking out “rhodadendrons”. Good luck on the ivy situation. I live in Florida, I’ll see what I can do about flamingos.
Crystal says
Hey Mavis, have you heard of Pink Flamingo Flocking? It is basically a fundraiser that you can run, where you pay per flamingo to have a flock of flamingos placed on someone’s lawn. Then they pay to have them taken down or relocated to someone else’s lawn. And the money paid goes to charity. I think maybe you need to send a flock to your neighborhood, and see if the HOA objects to flamingos as a fundraiser. http://www.flamingofundraising.com/
Bernice says
Oh my, so happy we are out of our HOA community. Like you, it had great trails, and other amenities, but the prying eyes and rules were crazy. We had to submit our house color before it was built, but then they allowed the neighbors next door to have the same color. Later on we we went to the pool and hung our towels on the deck and got a call within 30 minutes of a complaint…we played nice for about 6 years but really do not miss being there. We are on 10 acres with neighbors all around, no restrictions, but the neighbors are 10 acres away and we all are happy…and no prying eyes, just good country people. Thank goodness because with the snowy weather in Virginia our garage has been delayed for months…with an HOA there would be no excuse as to when it had to be done…whew…bye, bye, HOA. I know you will start missing things after a while…chickens would be one of the main things I would miss, and then today my ducks met me at the driveway to greet me as I drove in…
Lynne says
I’m waiting on the next letter from the HOA complaining that you are sharing official HOA correspondence with us outsiders!
The aspect of this situation that bothers me the most is the uneven application of whatever crazy standards they profess to be enforcing, if some people (friends of HOA board members?) have the very plants you are being told to remove. I hope the next 19 months pass quickly for you.
bobbi says
omg, you are hilarious. I am in FL and going over to the beach tomorrow and will look for many colored flamingos. so funny. Exactly why I will never live where there is a HOA in place. Ever.
Sally says
Thank heavens I live in the UK and we don’t have such things here. I couldn’t do it. We have an old loo in our back yard planted up with flowers- if postage wasn’t so much, I’d happily send it to you for your front garden. Don’t the HOA have better things to do – it’s not as though you have painted your home Barbie Pink(or are you hiding that photo).
Technically, if you could be bothered, you have transplanted it, not planted it. You could be awkward but I suspect they’d make your life hell for 19 months and it’s just not worth it.
Am sure Costco will have pink flamingos for you!
Carla says
Mavis — just be careful. Our HOA could fine us and if not paid put a lien on your house. If you put the flamingoes out they will say you did not submit them for approval. You really cannot win with them.
Marcia says
Ha ha! OMG that is so funny. No HOA here. Craziness.
They would faint if they saw my front yard. I mean, dirt/weed patch.
Lauren says
I love this SO MUCH! My vote is you pull out all the ivy, and replace it with rock and “yard art”. I really like the idea of a gnome sanctuary. With signage.
wendy says
I think atomic mushrooms are also stylish. ..
Pam M. says
My husband suggestion is to put the flamingos out 2 then 4 then 8, etc. just keep them guessing how many will be there the next day. Hope your 18 months fly by quickly. I would be in a world of hurt with such strick regulations. You go girl & pull as many chains as you can wIthout getting a fine.
Angela says
Snoopervising committee
Angela says
I died with that one, lol. I admire how you are trying to have a sense of humor about the whole thing. I would be so steamed by it all!!
Brandy says
I did something similar….We can’t have tether ball poles up during the winter months and of course we had ours out. After getting the dreaded letter I went through the CC&R’s and nothing in there stated that we couldn’t have a flagpole. So I turned our tether ball pole into a flag pole (tire stand and all). It looked awful, but I made my point. I never did get a letter about the flagpole but eventually took it down cuz I couldn’t stand it any longer. I HATE HOA’s!!!
Lorraine says
As a resident of Gig Harbor I can guess where your development is. We looked at houses there but the HOA seemed really restrictive. I would get a list of all those on the committee and drive by each house. You will probably be able to find infractions that you can point out to them. They very likely turn a blind eye to their own landscaping issues. The other way might be to find out who is in charge of activities and offer to put on a talk about growing vegetables and herbs in planter boxes and encouraging the restaurant to grow their own vegetables too. You might be able to start a revolt and change some of the rules.
Sara says
This is EXACTLY what I was going to suggest!
Renay says
First – ask why others have ivy and you have to remove yours.
Second – serious bummer.
Third – the majority here told you not to plant ivy! haha
Fourth- find out how to suggest an amendment to the bylaws, and do it.
Fifth – still here? Sit in your pjs in the front yard drinking coffee with a telescope in various directions just for kicks!
BTyndall says
Mavis,
I have never heard of such a thing in my life!! I would be totally ticked off!! I do love the way you are handling this situation, I just hope you are letting off a little bit of steam. What you need to do is go out and find some old tires, paint them up, plant some flowers in them and place them in the yard!! Woohoo!! Wonder what they would think about that!! lol
Mary says
When we purchased our home the ivy was already there (they used it for ground cover) unfortunately, ivy is very dangerous to trees that just happen to be growing there. I keep the ivy away from the trees by pulling it out….terrible job! Hang in there Mavis!
Janice Holt says
Yeah after 5 years mine is saying I have gaudy lawn ornaments My pink flamingos are not going any where without a fight now
Mary says
does that mean they wouldn’t like a clothes line??? that wouldn’t work for me!
sandi says
For us normal people there is one good thing about HOA’s. It keeps the idiots contained!
felicia Callahan says
You are what the HOA likes to call a “non-conformist” and you will find yourself on the “watch list” for the remainder of your time there. I agree that the Ivy should be grandfathered in as you purchased the home with it on the property.
Cynthia says
I cannot even IMAGINE living somewhere where someone could dictate what you can plant and where!! So glad you’re not planning to stay there too long. Shaking my head at the insanity of it all!
Dena H says
I could never live in a planned community. Not even for the short time you are planning. I love the flamingo idea, but, Mavis are they a natural species? Here!
Michelle says
Pink flamingos are OK. Granny Fannies are better!
Kathy says
The pink flamingo request made me laugh. At one time, when I had a plot in an organic community garden, I was severely chastised (actually received a letter) and threatened with being banned for life for planting mint. I got impatient looking at just dirt and really wanted something green so I planted a little mint. It was a 4″ single plant. I don’t think I’ve ever gotten totally over it.
Crystal says
I actually totally understand that one. Especially in a community garden. One tiny little 4″ mint plant could take over a huge portion of the garden within a few years, and be almost impossible to remove. In my opinion, if you want to do that in your own yard, go for it. But in a community garden, I understand the objection. Possibly they could have brought it up in a less severe manner, though.
Lori says
oh this is getting good! I can’t wait for lots and lots of pink flamingo’s flying around your yard. Take loads of pictures!! 🙂
Kathy says
I live in Alabama. I could send you some Kudzu. That HOA will wish they had kept their mouth shut about that wimpy ivy after they see that Kudzu take off and cover everyone’s houses. LOL
Crystal says
Oh god. Please no. I don’t want the entire Pacific Northwest covered in that stuff! I don’t think even burning the state would get rid of it! The blackberries are bad enough.
RebekahU says
You know… someone already hit on the truth above. The next step the HOA will take with you is to begin fining you. Unless you plan to get an attorney, probably the best thing to do is to either get elected to the HOA and try to change it from within, or lay low and get out of there as soon as it makes sense. You are also a celebrity of sorts… you could use your contacts to bring attention to the negative attention you are receiving from the HOA…
Tracy L. says
Oooooh!!!! I like this idea, you could “get Jesse”!!!!! I think Margaret Larson knows him!
Jeanette says
If I lived next door to a field of Kudzu I would be afraid to go to sleep at night for fear the house would be covered with the vine by morning! LOL
Barbee says
I know you’re angry and offended, but please, PLEASE be careful.
They can and WILL take your house, ruin your credit and sue you for everything you have. (& everything you can ever ‘potentially have’). Your HOA owns you.
Normally you have only two options:
Obedience OR Takeover.
….And Mavis, you strike me as the sort to successfully campaign for a TAKEOVER.
Run for, AND WIN a spot on the board. Then YOU rule.
You know…right now your life is in limbo…w/ the future move and all…consider this a worthy ‘distraction’.
Good Luck…LOL as if you needed ‘luck’ LOL
Sher says
hoa’s are creepy…what’s next? how far is too far? They are busybodies with no life. Run, run ,run..hope you can endure the nonsense until you move
Mindy says
You need to fire back a letter suggesting they use all their extra snooping time on proofreading. If I were you, I’d already be packing.
Barbee says
Some think she should fight-(and protect her assets at the same time)
I’m willing to discuss the pro’s and cons of that..
My HOA used to forbid birds. (Chickens) until Maryanne became president…Mary Anne liked birds. Suddenly keeping chickens, Ginny hens and ducks were okay. Bylaws were ignored. (Still on the books: no chickens) unless you get a ‘waiver’.
Fine. Get a waiver. Petition your neighbors, go to the meetings.
You can win this-this shit is petty. But petty things can get big. Really BIG. And Scary. And Deadly..
“Cause people are nuts-you know it-so use your best judgement.
For example:
When I was a kid in the 60’s. There was a strike .
An electrical union strike-and a little boy was killed. He was killed because his dad went to work. and the boy was riding his bike. After that I was not allowed to go outside to play, especially not in the street and NOT on my bike.
I am now in my 50’s and my children’s children are not allowed to play outside because some union guy might drive by and bash their brains in. (Isn’t that why none of our kids play outside now?)
But things are better now! It’s not like it’s the effing IRS telling you what you can (and can not) say on your personal blog.
Oh. Wait. YIKES! The IRS. THOSE guys are like-WOW. Nevermind…LOL OMG! Never mind about that! Forget I said that.
GOD I hope the IRS guys don’t choose to randomly show up at my door and ruin me-’cause that would be legal.
Well, not LEGAL. But who would care? Seriously. And I could not afford a lawyer without being-ruined.
Can any citizen of this country afford to fight a legal battle against the IRS?
So, how is your HOA any different from the IRS?
Are you a millionaire? What are the HOA’s resources?
How many families have been paying the ‘dues’ that will be used to destroy you?
How many years have YOU been paying these ‘dues’ that will now be used to pay the lawyers who are hired to ruin you?
Just for those ivy plants-because that’s against the rules/ law.
——-Thank GOD I don’t have any of those ivy plants
.
But, how do I prove that I don’t have any of those ivy plants?
There may be seeds. Hidden. In my freezer, under the foundation. inside my mattress.
I keep my seed cache buried w/ my father’s corpse in the cemetery!
Ridiculous? Yes. But .Wow! That was scary scenario…
And you are living it-albeit by a different degree-that doesn’t make it any less valid or impactiful.
It is not petty, and it is not ‘trite’.
Yes, pick your battles wisely.
But choose your MASTERS more carefully.
Take care my dear. Protect your little ones.
Sometimes the safety of your children overrides the need for justice.
Take Care-God Bless.
And above all-protect your children.
Amy says
Don’t scare off all the potential buyers though!!!
Cheryl says
I feel your pain. We recently moved into a great neighbor hood that is filled with lovely homes, walking trails, and close amenities. Yes, the “snoopervisors” drive around and if you FAIL to comply, there is a $50 fine per ordinance violation and a $10 per day fine tacked onto that until the suggested fix is completed. Coming off 10 acres in the country, where nobody cares what you do to this has been a challenge for me. Fortunately, everyone has privacy fences and you can do what you want, within reason, in your backyard as long as it is not street visible. That is probably why the former owners got away with having the ivy. My husband shrugs and says, “You liked the neighborhood because it was so pretty. The rules are what keep it that way. Get over it.” We had to submit paint chips and written requests to the approval committee to replace the garage door that the sellers destroyed when they moved, as well as repainting the bright purple front door that the sellers did without approval. So far, all of our requests have been granted. Not planting my garden, however, until the privacy fence is installed.
Crystal K says
Hoping your time in that house flies by for you Mavis. HOA’s are not my favorite and you are seeing the reason why now considering the house had the ivy before you bought it. Good luck on this adventure. Keep us posted since you make me appreciate getting out of our HOA every time I read these posts. 🙂
Linda says
We once lived in a place in California where people don’t have anything to do but have meetings. They don’t have anyything in their life to keep them busy. You keep up your yard, are probably younger, and are cute. The others are usually old and don’t
want to work in their yards. If the ivy is pruned there is not a problem. Maybe these people need to have some activities and
newsletter, maybe bingo, can you think of anything else. Have a spring tea to get to know these people. A spring tea would be
tons of fun. Bunco is fun. Antique or thrift shopping. Keep us posted. We found out we could not paint our house untless they
approved the color. When are elections? You need to get on the board.
Susan says
I take offense to your comment of “you are younger and cute” and “the others are usually old and don’t want to work in their yards”
Really?? I find most places a mixture of young and old, with many older people happily working hard in their yards,too.
“Young” or “cute” has nothing to do with what’s going on. Nor does “old” or “having nothing to do”
I just cringe at stereotyping. I guess I’m alone in this. Blast away 🙂
Debi says
HOA’s are not my favorite places to reside in. I would probably be a real bitch and go around the entire HOA and photo each house that has the same ivy. Then I would submit to the HOA committee — if I have to remove this ivy since it is not native, I believe all of these homeowners should be doing the same. I would definitely come at them with both barrels. Make them see that you are watching the entire association houses as well.
Jan says
Boy, they must feel inadequate and in need of busy work-they tell you what to plant and then require you to ask for approval from them to follow their directive? Insane!!
Kris says
Oh Mavis! I hate HOA’s along with almost everyone else on this post. The home we own is in an HOA and was fine until recently when the older members of the neighborhood decided that there would be weekly property walks to inspect all properties to make sure that all rules were being followed. It has been awful since then. I hate it when I see them walking around….literally taking notes on properties. Especially when their properties are nothing to write home about! We are planning to sell and move to another home that is in a rural area. Good luck!
Stacey says
It sounds like you’re being bullied. My first reaction was to stand up to them because you’re being singled out, and to request that everyone else remove their ivy, too. I really don’t think they would do that! However, I have confidence that you’ll handle it the best way possible for you. Maybe they’re trying to make you tired of doing your own landscaping and finally hire someone. If so, they don’t know you very well, do they?
LaurelsCottage.com says
I hate to swim upstream, but I have an HOA and they’ve been excellent! I’ve had to get permission for improvements, but they’ve always said yes in a timely manner. Plus, I have a black thumb, so they’ve been really good about replacing the shrubs I’ve killed. That being said, I have friends who are bullied and harassed by their HOA’s. Maybe I just got lucky!
Hillbilly says
Lived in Maryland and was subject to HOA rules, which initially was a minor speed bump. After 15 years, the rules committee had grown more “progressive” in their approvals. Before I could sell my property, we had to show proof on HOA forms, that we had the pre-approval of every change to the property (exterior fencing, deck, stone walk-ways, lots of flower beds, etc.) or they would assert a lien (Huh, ?) that precluded selling the property. Major speed bump as two realtors, home inspector, an appraiser and attorney were involved. Interestingly, we had hard documentation of pre-approvals or post-approvals to show the committee. More so, we had signed documentation that the committee said was never received! Much can happen during those 15 years and missing paperwork was not unusual. Agree with above poster that you volunteer on the committee and help the HOA-Nazi’s change their archaic way of thinking. Lesson: keep paperwork, get pre- and post HOA approvals before considering sale of your property. Worked for us. Love your flamingos.
Julie says
That entire story is just hilarious (I feel sorry for you tho!). Some people don’t keep up with their yard, no one tells them anything and you try to make it prettier and take care of it and they are just being annoying. Are those people that bored with their life? I would love to go in their yard and house and see what’s up because I’m sure they take too much time on checking other’s people houses instead of taking care of their own! At least good to know and I’ll know to avoid HOA when I’ll buy!!
Danielle says
Mavis-
Dress urself in a chicken costume when you are doing ur gardening work…especially on a Saturday when more people are home. That will definitely give them something to “cluck” about. What nonsense and a waste of valuable time. I live in a city on the east coast and they are happy if we just mow the lawn every now and again. Happy tacky lawn ornamenting!!!!!
Ann R. says
“Architectural Control Committe”
Wow. Just wow. I am so happy that I don’t live under an HOA. Oh! And can you say “jealous”? Because I am sure that’s what is at the root of this. Sorry for your troubles. Love your blog.
Lissan says
*almost* 2 years ago, I bought a condo. I didn’t really want a condo but I couldn’t afford a house. And after moving in, I REALLY realized why I didn’t want a condo.
It was the HOA. As I moved a new fridge into my house, the board president (AKA psycho B) asked me what I was doing with that. Uh….putting it in the house? To store food in? Duh?
Then the lettters started arriving. First that my Halloween pumpkin on the patio needed to b disposed of. Then my Christmas lights were up too long (in Jan). NOT that I had any lights outside, they were remarking on my INSIDE Christmas tree that could be seen through my living room window (that is on the side of the house NOT seen by the public, but looks out into the community backyard). Last May, it ramped up because WITHOUT homeowner approval, they changed the rules that we could no long walk our dogs on the property to pee. That’s right, I was no longer “allowed” to take my dog out into the backyard and let her potty. Despite picking up the poop and making sure she was on leash in the enclosed yard. She was no longer allowed to relieve herself whatsoever on the condo property or I could be fined. I asked how this happened to be passed and was told that only “major” changes required homeowner approval. I think that requiring me to walk my dog across the street instead of in my own backyard (that I PAY HOA fees to maintain!), is a MAJOR change! But my opinion doesn’t matter. I don’t want to be on the board. I don’t want to be an activist. I just wanted to live in peace. I “illegally” let my dog pee in the yard for months at night while feeling like I was living in a prison camp and hating to get the mail in case I received a letter. And I didn’t make it the 2 years to avoid capital gains taxes. They approved a 2 million dollar construction project (mostly unneccessary and surely overpriced) by bullying the homeowners. I can’t even sell the damn place because I have an extra $300 assessment for the next 15 years because of it. But it’s rented for a profit to a friend who knows exactly what she was walking into and delights in pissing off the psycho B by NOT doing anything wrong. And I bought a house in a semirural area where I can do whatever I want — own chickens, NOT mow the lawn, and most importantly — let my dog pee while standing there in my pajamas!
TS says
I have to agree with them about the ivy. Our former neighbor planted some and we continually had to pay to have it cleared from OUR yard. Thankfully the new neighbors tore it out so we don’t have to deal with it anymore. We live in a HOA and we love it. It isn’t super strict but it has kept the neighborhood nice and property values up. But I do understand why some people may not like them. That is why it is great that there are a lot of neighborhoods without them.