An elderly couple in Hallow, Worcester, is facing a potential bill of £953.40 after planting flowers and shrubs on a small patch of scrubland adjacent to their property. Hilary Garner, 82, and her husband Christopher, 84, spent more than £700 transforming the 3-square-meter area with plants including aubrieta, eucalyptus, cherry trees, and an acer.
Mike Pett, managing director of Ground Solutions UK Ltd, which is managing the land on behalf of the developers, confirmed that the company has contacted the couple multiple times. He stated that the action was taken following complaints from residents and that the land remains under the developer's ownership, intended for recreational purposes as per the property's covenants.
The Garners, who moved into the new-build estate in August 2024, believed the land was communal and intended for planting, citing assurances of wildflowers along the verge. They have been paying a yearly maintenance fee of £320. Their son, Nathan Garner, described the situation as "guerrilla gardening which should be celebrated" and questioned the "common sense" of the demand.
Pett explained that the use of the land is governed by covenants, and planting without authorization is prohibited. He added that the company's aim has been to allow the Garners an opportunity to resolve the matter voluntarily by relocating the plants to their own property. Despite repeated attempts to communicate, a resolution has not yet been reached, though Ground Solutions expressed a continued commitment to finding an amicable solution. The couple has been given a deadline of June 22 to remove the plants.