I sooo agree with you Lyn. It is a heartbreaker. Talking to the press may help but I sure got the cold shoulder today. We had to try though. Folks should know what the city gets up to. I spent the day ripping out draping Rosemary and large Lavenders that have grown over the edge. Lots more to do along with spring planting and weeding. Nothing like trying to move large roses though. I did one. It was a huge 'Polar Star' that split in half and I kept one half and it's growing but who knows how it will do. With the rose garden there is the risk of killing them in the process so there asking for more time to propagate them and then to make sure those take before they move the roses. That process will go well beyond the deadline they were given. Dec. 1. As for safety, it is an often used way to force an issue. It trumps everything...bring a buddy or two is what we do and what I recommend to other volunteers. I'm out here alone much of the time but I look mean and don't get bothered and usually have a formidable looking tool in hand. There are, on occasion, strange ones that show up but that happens everywhere. We all need to be cautious in our daily lives. I'd rather have the beauty of a well planted environment everywhere I go. It's always an improvement to me.
