Each time we admire a picture of a model house or a house in the West, chances are that we are looking at one without fences. How we wish we could have houses without fences, just like those in the kampong or village where everybody knows everybody.
But the reality soon dawn on us that we just cannot do without fencing... in fact, even with fencing, some robbers could jump into the compound. I can already feel the insecurity of sleeping in a house not properly fenced up.
The realities I have faced:
Even my ordinary plants outside the compound had been cut down or sprayed with weedkillers by a neighbour bent on encroaching our living space. So planting ornamental trees will be pushing my luck too far.
Because a sister-in-law had her wooden bench outside the house carted away, our collectible bench is our constant worry when away for longer. Other items which could enhance the overall landscape have to be put on hold.
Certain flowering plants cannot be in certain places because of our two free running dogs who can be easily excited by another neighbour's chickens who find our grass is greener.
Choice of plants is also important. I have to think a few years later as to how big the tree will be. Many people planted rambutan or mango trees in their house compounds and regret later when they grew too big. It would cost another few hundred ringgit to chop and cart away each tree. I think it is cheaper to just buy when one feels like eating any of the fruits. Durian used to be common and it would take 10 years before one realizes that it is either barren or the fruit is not what was promised. But from landscaping point, these fruits trees are out.
I have just found out the 'tower tree' which is a hot favourite in sample house landscaping, costs a few hundred each! This can grow as high as fifty feet and I am sure many house owners are not aware yet.
Being at home most times, I knew and could imagine what needed to be done. Being on high ground, our back of the house is in the way of strong winds. I have planted Manila red palms (turned out to be mistake because the fruits attracted rats which took them to the car engine section and clogged up the air-condition system) and 'thit si' (literally 'iron tree') because they were free and which grew fast, as windbreakers and shade against the hot evening sun. But what took a few years would need just half an hour of chain sawing when my wife brought back some workers to chop and clear without even asking.
Anyone who is a DIY enthusiast would be able to understand my tendency to keep whatever parts, nuts, bolts and screws which might come in handy just when I need it. This would accumulate and make the place untidy. Then comes the cat who is fussy over where to have her nap. She keeps changing her place and knocks down some of the stuff I left on top of cupboards and shelves. Once, even two car seats on top of a shelf came crashing down because of her!
Then there is the recycling which we are advised to practise. Don and Mylene take upon themselves as Greencrusaders. But the recycling means separating different items of garbage for collection later. This would undoubtedly clutter the place. At the extreme end, there is a friend who was fined because his neighbours complained about his house being exceptionally untidy because of what he keeps for recycling.
Our part-time cleaner collects old newspapers too for sale. My wife once heard her grandson exclaiming when seeing some, 'oh good, can change for money!' But sometimes, I actually felt the pressure of being forced to read before she takes them away!
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