Ugh I’m so sorry.
your yard and garden is beautiful and such a source of pleasure for you, I’m just really sad that this has happened.
do you have more information than a phone number? If not, when you see him next get his license plate number.
I feel for you here, because I am the same way, I’m the one people feel they can take advantage of because I want to be as nice as I can, and I’d prefer not to have conflict, even small ones. Sometimes that means I don’t stand up for myself, and, that’s when things can snowball if someone is the type to take advantage.
I would be prepared to cut my losses. We are getting close to spring and you need your beds! Do you have any proof that you paid him for supplies? If so, I would tell him that the supplies must be at your place or you are taking him to small claims. It may do nothing, but, it also could get your supplies back. if you can muster the strength to come off really firm you’ll send him to his friends/family to get money and get the supplies to you.
either way, I’d tell him the job is done. With someone you don’t know personally, I always buy the supplies and keep them here myself. You don’t get paid until the job is done, or weekly, or at set intervals that are agreed to when goals are met, and if you don’t like those terms you don’t get the job. It has taken Me several instances like this to learn this.
just so you can feel better and like you’re not as stupid as me, I’ll share a few of my favorites.
I had an employee this year that I gave my credit card to to go to McCoy’s (building supply store) to get things. They set up an account under their name. WITH my card.
most (but not all) things they bought were for the ranch, but they certainly went to McCoy’s every day for a month and bought m&ms and drinks. I think sometimes I have sucker tattooed on my face.
I’ve also had an alcoholic that I gave far too many chances to squat in my barn. I couldn’t believe how much I did for this person, how many chances given, and then they wouldn’t leave and I had to evict them. You can bet I do everything with contracts now.
your yard and garden is beautiful and such a source of pleasure for you, I’m just really sad that this has happened.
do you have more information than a phone number? If not, when you see him next get his license plate number.
I feel for you here, because I am the same way, I’m the one people feel they can take advantage of because I want to be as nice as I can, and I’d prefer not to have conflict, even small ones. Sometimes that means I don’t stand up for myself, and, that’s when things can snowball if someone is the type to take advantage.
I would be prepared to cut my losses. We are getting close to spring and you need your beds! Do you have any proof that you paid him for supplies? If so, I would tell him that the supplies must be at your place or you are taking him to small claims. It may do nothing, but, it also could get your supplies back. if you can muster the strength to come off really firm you’ll send him to his friends/family to get money and get the supplies to you.
either way, I’d tell him the job is done. With someone you don’t know personally, I always buy the supplies and keep them here myself. You don’t get paid until the job is done, or weekly, or at set intervals that are agreed to when goals are met, and if you don’t like those terms you don’t get the job. It has taken Me several instances like this to learn this.
just so you can feel better and like you’re not as stupid as me, I’ll share a few of my favorites.
I had an employee this year that I gave my credit card to to go to McCoy’s (building supply store) to get things. They set up an account under their name. WITH my card.
most (but not all) things they bought were for the ranch, but they certainly went to McCoy’s every day for a month and bought m&ms and drinks. I think sometimes I have sucker tattooed on my face.
I’ve also had an alcoholic that I gave far too many chances to squat in my barn. I couldn’t believe how much I did for this person, how many chances given, and then they wouldn’t leave and I had to evict them. You can bet I do everything with contracts now.
you always make me feel better 
Thank you for listening to my plight today. It really really helps to be able to talk it out with someone.
