Readers’ Responses: Should Back Gardens Remain a Sanctuary or Welcome Loud Audio?
In today’s world, it’s increasingly common for people to stream music through smart speakers or smartphones in their own gardens. But is it fair to impose these sounds on one’s neighbors? Graham French from Sutton Coldfield poses this very dilemma, asking whether back gardens should serve as quiet retreats rather than venues for amplified tunes.
What Our Readers Think
KrisFernie – Limit your outdoor tunes to twice a year; push it any further and you might expect some serious pushback.
GrandMoo2018 – I’d much prefer enjoying music rather than enduring the fallout from neighbors embroiled in heated quarrels.
Alec1961 – One neighbor’s constant leaf blower seems to hover around a B flat, while another’s motorbike and its revving partner create a duet from deep G to high F♯. In another corner, the children hit unexpected operatic notes reminiscent of Philip Glass and Stockhausen. In my view, a bit of well-played speaker music would be a welcome change.
A Reader – Unless you’re lucky enough to have a sprawling garden to lose yourself in, the answer should be “no”—except perhaps for a child’s birthday celebration once in a while.
Rob Eyres – It comes off as inconsiderate, an “I can do as I please” attitude that prizes individual freedom over the comfort of others. Noise pollution is nothing more than an intrusion into people’s privacy.
Gillian Parker – Instead of blasting your tunes in your garden, why not hijack your neighbor’s space by setting up a few deck chairs on their lawn? Remember, headphones were invented so you can enjoy your music without disturbing others.
natfantastic – It isn’t up to you to dictate how quiet someone else’s garden should be—unless the noise is so excessive that it invites the council’s intervention. After all, the outdoors is rarely silent.
Caroline Laffertu – Absolutely not. Bothering your neighbors with loud music only stirs up unnecessary upset. Instead, let nature’s birdsong be your soundtrack.
Chris – Playing music in the garden might be acceptable on cold, rainy evenings when I’m indoors. However, on warm, sunny nights when I step out for a bit of peace, loud outdoor music is simply too disruptive.
RPOrlando – Although I don’t have a garden myself, I often enjoy a quiet stroll in a local park. If I ever encountered booming phone speakers, I’d suspect some rowdy neighbors were gearing up for an impromptu rock concert.
A Reader – I purchased my home for the tranquility of its garden, only to discover hostile neighbors whose blaring speakers leave the space nearly unusable.
An illustration by Rob Ling captures the spirit of this debate.
ChitownLiberal – Ultimately, the law sets limits for a reason. If you desire perfect silence, perhaps you should move to the countryside or even join a monastery—city life naturally comes with its ambient din. Just don’t be inconsiderate.
Miranda Johnson – A backyard should be a sanctuary, especially for those sensitive to sound who simply want to relax in peace.
A Reader – I fondly recall an evening garden party at an old manor where the hosts were careful to lower the volume as the night progressed. Neighbors respecting each other’s peace is one thing; overwhelming someone’s retreat with loud music is quite another.
Peter Neville – An old adage applies here: treat others how you’d like to be treated. If you wouldn’t appreciate your neighbor belting out the final act of an opera at full volume, then perhaps you shouldn’t be belting out Ibiza dance tracks in your own garden.
A Reader – My neighbor’s habit of spending hours on speakerphone in her garden is especially grating. Over time, her booming voice has become nearly unbearable.
Socialismnow – It’s odd how loud music or raucous parties are frowned upon, yet a dog barking endlessly in the yard seems to be accepted without question.
EddieChorepost – If you have a surplus of questionable headphones, consider selling them door-to-door at competitive prices. After all, a good fence goes a long way in maintaining neighborly relations.
Choco – Our neighbors regularly blast their sound system from a shed several times a week, especially on those warm days when you’d rather relax outside. And don’t even get me started on intrusive music on public transport and trains—it’s a whole different level of disregard for others.
stevew2466 – I never play music outside except for a very rare party. When I’m working on DIY projects around the house or car, I resort to Radio 4 for some background chatter—it’s much preferable to complete isolation.
DrMomPA – This issue isn’t confined to gardens alone. What’s with playing music aloud on hiking trails? Don’t you want to hear the natural sounds of the wilderness?
anemag – Whether it’s in backyards, parks, coffee shops, pubs, public transport, or virtually anywhere else, imposing your choice of music, podcasts, or commentary on others is simply unacceptable.
Ecomouse1 – Please, no loud music, phones, or football commentary in gardens! On those rare summer days when I can truly relish the sound of birds, it feels like a gift.
TyPing – Sure, the occasional noise can spark a dispute, but blasting an entire amp’s worth of sound is a surefire way to drive your point home.
Elephantmoth – I once moved to the countryside in search of serenity, only to be met with constant disturbances—from booming music and incessant barking to whirring strimmers and even drag racing. I eventually returned to city life, where the background noise feels less intrusive.
Tom Garvey – Outdoor music is acceptable if kept at a moderate volume. Personally, I prefer not to have someone else’s soundtrack invading my peaceful backyard.
LorLala – A recent incident underscored this point: one neighbor’s music was perfectly tolerable until another started playing, creating a discordant clash. Remember, a little consideration goes a long way.
These diverse responses highlight a common theme: while music and outdoor gatherings can enhance our quality of life, striking a balance between personal enjoyment and respect for neighbors is essential. Whether through pragmatism, humor, or a plea for quiet, our readers remind us that living together in shared spaces requires mutual understanding and consideration.
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