See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy OLIVIA DAY, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA Published: 12:31 BST, 7 September 2026 | Updated: 12:35 BST, 7 September 2026
A green-fingered pensioner has been banned from gardening outside his home and even had his lawnmower confiscated after a row over a foot-high picket fence. Julian Phillips, 80, transformed what he described as a 'mud field' outside his block of flats in Norwich into a picturesque lawn and flower garden. But instead of being thanked for his efforts, he became embroiled in a dispute with housing group Orbit who said the fence posed a 'trip hazard'. The association ordered the miniature picket fence to be ripped out and demanded Mr Phillips stop tending to the communal garden altogether. Orbit even removed the pensioner's lawnmower for five days.The avid gardener said: 'I can't see what the problem is because people living here have complimented my work.'All I do is try my best to make the garden look lovely for everyone who lives here.'Mr Phillips' lawnmower was eventually returned, but he says he has been banned from keeping it in the communal store room and has to keep it in his car. Julian Phillips, 80, transformed what he described as a 'mud field' outside his block of flats in Norwich into a picturesque lawn and flower garden earlier this year But instead of being thanked for his efforts, the pensioner (pictured) became embroiled in a dispute with housing group Orbit who said the fence posed a trip hazard'The row erupted after the pensioner decided to spruce up the grounds around the 31-flat development almost two months ago. He laid fresh turf, planted colourful flowers and installed the foot-high picket fence to stop vehicles driving over the newly-created green space.But Orbit objected to the work and wrote to the pensioner warning that the fence would have to be removed.The housing association told him his 'quality of workmanship raises safety concerns and does not meet the required specifications and standards'.It initially vowed to remove the fence within seven days. Three weeks later, workers arrived and ripped it out.Orbit has since told residents they should not carry out gardening themselves because maintenance of the communal grounds is carried out by a contractor.Mr Phillips was told to leave the upkeep to the site's 'odd job man'. He laid fresh turf, planted colourful flowers and installed the foot-high picket fence (pictured left) to stop vehicles driving over the newly-created green space Mr Phillips (pictured with the garden) was told to leave the upkeep to the site's 'odd job man'The dispute has left the keen gardener particularly frustrated because he claims no concerns were raised when he first created the new garden area in July.Orbit had also promised to replace the small fence after removing it - but Mr Phillips says nothing has yet been installed.A spokesman for the housing association said: 'We appreciate customers taking pride in their community and wanting communal areas to look their best.'At Helgate Court, grounds maintenance is provided on behalf of all customers by a contractor appointed by us.'As the gardens are a shared space, we have asked residents not to undertake maintenance activities themselves so that services can be delivered safely, consistently and fairly for everyone living at the scheme.'
