when old roses meet new neighbors in my garden

This morning, I walked into my backyard and found my grandmother’s heirloom roses tangled up with my neighbor’s flashy hybrid lilies. It took me right back to childhood summers, when I’d watch my mom gently untangle vines and teach me the patience of gardening. But now, it’s not just about patience—it’s about choices. Some folks in our community love the wild, old-fashioned look of rambling roses, saying it reminds them of home and simpler times. Others prefer the neat, bold lines of modern hybrids, arguing they’re easier to manage and fit better with today’s tidy yards. I can’t help but feel torn: should I let my roses and lilies mingle freely, or should I separate them to keep peace with my neighbors who value order? With the unpredictable spring weather this year, I’ve noticed the old roses seem to handle the cold snaps better than the new hybrids. Maybe there’s wisdom in the plants our elders chose, adapted to our local climate long before landscaping trends came and went. But when the community board sends out reminders about keeping our yards uniform, I wonder—do we lose something precious when we favor rules over roots? I’d love to hear: do you let your flowers mix, or do you keep them in line? Have you ever clashed with neighbors or family over what belongs in your garden? #gardenmemories #oldvsnew #communitydebate #Gardening