– You only tell dill from parsley by the shop’s labels! And you’ve only ever seen berries in jam! – grumbled the offended neighbourShe crossed her arms, insisting that the garden’s hidden herbs held secrets no supermarket could ever label.

You only tell the difference between fresh parsley and dill by the packaging! And youve only ever seen berries in jam! grumbled the offended neighbour, MrsEleanor.

Victoria and William arrived at their country cottage in Yorkshire. They had bought it in the autumn, and now, after a few winters, they decided to set things straight. The house was charming, even in the cold, but the garden and the outbuildings needed a great deal of work.

The old orchard had to be turned into a proper haven. A new garden sauna had already been ordered; it would arrive and be installed within a week, they just had to pick the spot.

At the same time they planned a clothesdrying shed beside the sauna, a woodstore, and a summer gazebo. Their grandchildren had promised to visit and help with everything.

Its quiet here, we could stay all year. After all, were retirees now.

Ive inspected the cellar; only the front door needs replacing.

Ive looked over the back veranda. Remember our talk about a gazebo? Its useless there. On the veranda we have a large round table and some antique chairs.

Well just restore them; theyll serve us for another hundred years. From there we can look out over the garden, sip tea and enjoy the view. The garden gate also needs a new door it feels as if someone has been inside recently, even in winter.

Exactly, the doors are the priority. Everything will be done at the back of the house, out of sight from the road, yet still beautiful. In front of the house well create a lawn with flower beds.

The perennials are already planted; we just have to decide where everything should go. Some may need to be moved, but well leave it as it is for this summer.

A week later the sauna was delivered and the grandchildren arrived. Work on the plot began in earnest. MrsEleanor dropped by to see the progress, her greatgrandchildren darting around the cottage.

Do you have grandchildren?

Yes, theyll be coming soon.

Why are you putting up such a high fence? We neighbours have lived here without any fences for years.

Without a fence? What was there before? We just took down the old oneit had collapsed. It didnt bother you, but we like things tidy. Dont worry, we havent taken any extra metres of land. The fence sits exactly on the property line.

Will there be a gate? Weve always had a way through.

You mean a gate between our houses? No, thats not planned. The only entrance is from the road.

What about the children, yours and ours? I saw you cut down the apple trees, and the kids used to love climbing them.

We didnt cut them down; we pruned and cleared the orchard, and weve planted new saplings. Let your grandchildren climb the trees you keep.

Everything is new with you. Why plant hedges along our fence?

The hedges are just for a pleasant look.

MrsEleanor left, but she returned with more questions. Her greatgrandchildren continued to run across Victoria and Williams garden until the new gate was finally installed.

Youve settled in nicely, she said again. Will you stay here through winter?

Time will tell.

Why have you locked the gate? The kids used to play ball right in front of the house; it was convenient and safe, away from the road traffic.

My garden beds are full; I cant spare any space, unlike you. You only tell the difference between parsley and dill by the shop label, and youve only ever tasted berries in jam. You should befriend me.

We closed the gate to keep strangers out and to prevent your greatgrandchildren from taking over. Two days ago they let our ducks loose, and we still havent found them.

You keep chickens too? So you really intend to live here?

We already do.

At the end of August they celebrated Williams birthday. The children, the greatgrandchildren, the whole family gathered. The men grilled meat, the women prepared salads, and they set the table on the veranda.

Here we are, dropping by to say hello as neighbours do. Were always welcome, no invitation needed. Were neighbours, after all; the kids know that already.

Youre preparing a feast; the guests have arrived, so lets sit down. Itll be more fun for the children together. Its high time we became friends.

So we never invited you? This is a family celebration, not a neighbourly one. Our relationship is that of neighbours, not of kin.

That may change someday. The children will grow up; perhaps well become family, she replied cheerfully.

She kept altering the story, never quite leaving. Her greatgrandchildren climbed everywhereshaking apple and pear trees, scaling the roof of the sauna, luckily not falling. Later they were drawn to the decorative stones around the outbuildings, and some began tossing them into the inflatable pool. It took a while for anyone to notice. The children darted away, shrieking with joy as water splashed everywhere.

Autumn is coming, itll be time to pack the pool away, said MrsEleanor. The kids have had enough fun.

Youre going home now!

We havent even sat down; the children are hungry. Lets all gather at the table!

The celebration was a bit ruined, but another would follow. A week later the children returned for the next gathering: the 35th anniversary of Victoria and Williams marriage.

Someone had the bright idea to lock the gate. As it turned out, it was their youngest, a sevenyearold greatgrandson.

There was a soft knock on the gate. The whole family pretended nothing was happening as the smell of barbecue and fresh garden herbs filled the air. The evening grew cool.

When will you be in town again?

Well think about it. Autumn is near, well settle in, then well see. There are still apples to pick; this years harvest is wonderful. We love it here, despite the neighbour, but she isnt a real obstacle. Weve learned to ignore her.

Everyone laughed together.

The guests left, and Victoria and William stayed behind. Autumn would turn to winter, and they would keep trying. If it didnt work out, they could always return to their flat in Manchester.

MrsEleanor eventually drove away; it turned out she needed to get her greatgrandchildren to school. Her daughter was overwhelmed, and the grandmother would help. William and Victoria sighed with relief. God grant us such troublesome neighbours, they muttered.

In the end, the cottage taught them that patience, a little humour, and the willingness to work together turn even the most stubborn fences into bridges and that a community flourishes when neighbours choose friendship over rivalry.