Re: Concern for us collectors(Please Read)

I think this is a fascinating and important subject; but I admit to
being a bit schizo on this topic, since I consider myself both an
amateur environmentalist and a collector of unusual and interesting
plants.  I was afraid this kind of proposal was coming our way, when a
national code for using plant materials was mentioned a few months ago.

Perhaps we need a Constitutional amendment for free "planting" :)!
However, I understand the frustration because our most noticeable plant
problem locally is Scotch Broom, which the Calif. Native Plant chapter
here has been trying to pull out by the highway, where it is spreading
rapidly.  We have a neighbor who has made himself known as
environmentally  "correct", except that the road on his property is
lined with Scotch Broom, which has spread into others' propery.  I
printed up and gave to him a listing from the Native Plant Society,
showing that it is a real problem.  He ignored it and the plants are
getting hugher every time we drive by.  I was dismayed to see what
looked like hundreds of these plants in gallon containers for sale at
Home Depot this spring, and at every other local nursery also.

While I think some of these known problem plants shouldnt be for sale,
at least so prominently, I value my ability to plant odd-ball things I
have never seen before.  I do watch them carefully, and I suppose that a
future owner might not know what to watch for.

I have had native plant advocates tell me that one should not move
native plants even a few miles.  I understand this, and leave my many
natives where they are.  But  I also love plants from the Himalayas and
Australia and everywhere else.  I would hate to live in a world so
regulated that even our gardens would have to comply.  Maybe I should
found a Libertarian Environmentalist party? :)

Anelle
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