HIST/Alley Irises-Ethics

Greetings,

One is always concerned about irises which look like they should be rescued,
and some ethical questions inevitably arise. Irises which look neglected or
unappreciated may, in fact, be someone's beloved plants. Someone with limited
yard may have found them a bit of sun. A landlord may have planted them to
brighten a property. Definitionally these alley plantings are surviving, and
many are thriving, albeit in conditions we might consider less than their
due. They, along with the self sown tradescantias, hollyhocks and dame's
rocket are part of the greater urban garden, far more, in my opinion, than
the municipal plantings of marigolds and salvias.

We have found that most people are happy that you are enjoying their flowers.
Often, if approached, they will tell you about them, which presents an
opportunity to offer a few pointers on culture if needed. If I want a start
of something interesting, I find the owner and offer to swap, then ask them
what they would like. Big fluffy yellows are very popular. Then one just
selects a few rhizomes for them at the local sale, or gives them a division
from the yard. Older people often enjoy having someone else to pass a piece
on to, ensuring continuity for a favorite plant. 

A truly derelict planting is disturbing, but appreciation and knowledge of
the plant is not, of course, license to commit larceny. We have only
seriously considered crisis intervention once and mercifuly the situation
abated so we didn't have to test our principles. I hope we would have made
the right decision.

We're off for another ramble! Henry has found a whopping big stand of
neglectas he wants to show me!  

So, what's growing in your neighborhood?  

Anner Whitehead, Richmond, VA (speaking)
Henry Hall  henryanner@aol
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