re: Iris and other Flowers in Vacant lots etc.


        Ack Ack, too much overreaction here on both sides ....

        Please always remember, unless a plant is in imminent danger from 
developers etc. leave them be for others to enjoy. Just because a yard is 
deserted, or land is "unimproved" does not mean these plants should get any 
different treatment than native and/or endangered wildflowers etc. Chances are 
any plants you find have been thriving for a long time and are not in any 
NATURAL danger.

        When it is appropriate, make sure that any collection methods are low 
impact (ie. take seeds or cuttings when possible and in small amounts, or small 
offsets) so that others can continue to enjoy them. Deserted farms along country
roads are part of our rural beauty - the "abandoned" gardens with their happily 
naturalized remains are part of that picture. That small stand of Iris that you 
rescue may have been enjoyed by many passers by in the past, and it will surely 
be missed if it disappears completely. 

        It is unfortunate when a beautiful area is lost to developers etc., but 
taking a few plants for your own yard does nothing to change that unless you 
have averted the extinction of a species or cultivar, and then help spread those
plants to others.

        Chad Schroter in Los Gatos CA Zone 9

        Reboomers are also early bloomers here - almost all the stalks up are 
REB's
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