Judge rules against man’s sunflower garden memorial after complaints from neighbors

ST. PETERS, Mo. (KMOV/Gray News) – A judge in Missouri has ruled against a homeowner‘s sunflower garden after receiving neighbor complaints.

Chris Bank said he started the sunflower garden to remember a loved one.

“She truly loved sunflowers, and I thought it would be fitting for her to be part of it,” he shared.

But the garden has since turned into a legal battle, with city officials saying he is not following the city’s ordinance.

“I thought this was crazy, going to court over sunflowers,” Bank said.

On Tuesday, a judge ended up siding with the city, saying Bank’s sunflowers are a crop, and they cover more than 10% of his yard.

“I’m not surprised,” Banks said.

New documents from the city showed complaints from neighbors over the years.

According to the documents, some neighbors noted that the sunflowers were “getting ridiculous to look at,” with others commenting on Bank’s character, calling him vindictive.

“I don’t know who would say that and not give an example. And obviously, there would be court cases on that kind of stuff if that was the issue,” he said.

Bank also had supporters in the courtroom on Tuesday.

“This is attacking him. This is not that they care about the sunflowers,” Lexi, a Bank supporter, said. “He’s really standing up for what he believes. I don’t know if that is argumentative. I think it is defensive.”

Bank said, character aside, he thinks the city is targeting him after it all started with a property dispute years ago with his homeowners’ association.

“You’re basically battling the city, a city judge and a city prosecuting attorney. I mean, what is really gonna happen? I mean, it doesn’t make a difference what you can prove and show,” he said.

Bank said he does plan to appeal the court’s decision, sending the case to St. Charles County.

“I really want to go in front of St. Charles, not a St. Peters-biased court, but literally go in front of my peers,” he said. “And if they say, ‘Yeah, Mr. Bank, we side with the city,’ then I will never grow a sunflower again.”

Banks said he is remaining hopeful despite currently being down to just about 20 flowers left in his yard.