Roadside damage photos
In Bedford/Katonah we have very very unsightly roadsides-made worse by drivers who throw cans,bottles and trash on the roadsides-cleanup? We try to keep OUR property nice-last night someone drove over the neat grass planted outside our walls in a mean spirited, deliberate way. Maybe Bedford/Katonah should have a community cleanup too-great suggestions coming in from everywhere-we live in beauty-why trash it up! 1 We had inserted bamboo stakes along the road, inside the edges, to protect the decorative grasses, until they green up after the winter. All the stakes were run over by careless drivers. 2 Most roadsides around here look like this - rubble, fallen tree boughs, old leaves, trash, etc. 3 Not very pretty 4 I have tried to clean up the roadsides, but obviously, others will destroy the results of hard work - see the tire tracks? And the split and broken bamboo? 5 More tire damage 6 This will be hard to fix - the ground was so wet.
We just found a child's old scooter in our front yard bushes near the road this week. We're going to try to fix it.
Posted by: Cyn | March 27th, 2010 at 9:41 am
I am so sorry that happened to your property. I do not understand why people do the senseless things they do these days.
Posted by: bunkycooks | March 27th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Some people choose to live in beauty. It's a state of mind that is reflected in the actions that we take. Vandals are annoying, but also pathetic. Thank you for sharing your beautiful way of life.
Posted by: Mary | March 27th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Such a lack of respect. It makes me think of that saying No Good Deed Goes Unpunished.
We have issues with teens driving on the common areas in our development; killing the grass and small bushes. So difficult to catch them and when they are there isn't a whole lot done about it. So so frustrating.
Perhaps you could paint the sticks a neon color, then when they mow them down with their car it will at least leave marks on their bumpers.
Posted by: Sherrie Venturi | March 27th, 2010 at 9:52 am
I'm sorry this happened to you. It's always so demoralizing when you put energy into beautification, only to have losers destroy it.
Posted by: nancy | March 27th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Martha,you have done so much to clean up the roadside. I would like to see the photos of the vandal's damage in the local paper along with an accompanying article. Let there be a call to action for citizens to clean up their immediate environment and stop littering.
Posted by: Leslie Platschka | March 27th, 2010 at 9:58 am
Martha. So sorry that you were a victim of people who obviously don't have a clue to the beautiful person you are. Thank you for your everyday thoughts that you share with ones that respect your never ending love of animals and home. You are very special person. Maybe one day more will realise it. Thank you for everything. Vicki
Posted by: Vicki | March 27th, 2010 at 9:58 am
That happens in my area all the time, but it's caused by the snow plow, not vandals. Perhaps that's what happened to you.
Posted by: Debra | March 27th, 2010 at 10:00 am
Perhaps not the snow plow since if you're sure it just happened. How about place big stones along the roadside. It would protect the grasses as well as look nice.
Posted by: Debra | March 27th, 2010 at 10:02 am
It amazes me that people prove daily that the jackass gene is dominant. Littering is a HUGE pet peeve of mine along with the senseless random acts of vandalism that are becoming the norm. We have replaced our mailbox down at the road 4 times in the past 5 years because apparently, it's fun to smash it with baseball bats or shoot holes in it.
Posted by: Jen | March 27th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Terrible! What is in the minds of such vandals? Here in New Canaan CT we have a community wide project (CLEAN YOUR MILE) to clean up the roadways. The Garden Club and Town work together to heighten awareness and get everyone in the act:
http://newcanaan.patch.com/announcements/2010-clean-your-mile-campaign-needs-community-assistance
Posted by: Jayne | March 27th, 2010 at 10:03 am
I agree, it's so sad that people have little or no respect for another person's property. What a great idea to "fight back" with a clean-up crew!! Maybe seeing people out cleaning up will make at least one person think twice before throwing something out the window of their car.
Posted by: ChristineA | March 27th, 2010 at 10:03 am
I understand how you feel. We live on a busy corner and we are always having to pick up broken bottles and trash. I can't believe people just throw them out of their cars!!!
Posted by: Anita | March 27th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Whatever happened to that thing called 'property pride'. Some people just don't seem to care about taking care of this thing we call earth, our home.
Posted by: Cindy W. | March 27th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Perhaps it was a drunk driver who ran off the road while falling asleep. It might be a blessing he/she didn't smash into your wall and kill someone.
Posted by: sara | March 27th, 2010 at 10:07 am
How utterly exasperating, the mindless actions of a minority always ends up spoiling it for the majority.
Posted by: Donna | March 27th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Some individulas are just mean spirited, destructive and disrespectful of other people's property.
Last winter someone made a U turn using our front drive, through the border flower bed and across our front lawn. They must have been driving one of the big pick up trucks because the treads were wide and deeply grooved. It was very upsetting and difficult for me to fix.
That same winter I saw tracks from someone who had driven in circles through the park across the street. Possibly someone trying to chase down one of the city jack rabbits that call the park home!
I am sorry your hard work was not appreciated.
Posted by: Carol | March 27th, 2010 at 10:19 am
It's just sad that there are people out there who just want to ruin things for others. How sad a life to get joy from ruining other people's things.
Posted by: Alyzabeth | March 27th, 2010 at 10:25 am
We have the same problem at our house with drivers going way too fast and using our first few feet of our front yard as a passing lane. So annoying! Several of our neighbours have taken to lining this area of their yards with decorative stones, which I admit aren't the nicest but seem to do the trick.
Posted by: Jenn O'Reilly | March 27th, 2010 at 10:25 am
We had vandals wreck our mailbox last week. It's a shame. I'm just sick about it. It's just not right.
Posted by: Pam | March 27th, 2010 at 10:28 am
nobody cares about the other guy these days
selfish people respect for each other is gone here in america sad
Posted by: otis ervin | March 27th, 2010 at 10:31 am
In our state the county owns like 30 some FT from the center of the road to either side. They do that for vehicle emergencies and to claim the rights to any trees or obstructions. My suggestion would be to back it on up. If they come over further then it would be considered property dammage and covered under insurance if applicable
Posted by: Paula | March 27th, 2010 at 10:33 am
Suggestion at end of this: Sorry to hear of the damage to your property. Regarding the issue of people tossing trash, cans, bottles, here in South Western PA we have that problem as well. I was taught at home and also by the Mercy nuns in grade school (way back when) not to litter in addition to other social rules on how to behave as civilized citizens. Among other ills, tossing trash seems to be an epidemic in our country, people seem to have no respect for property. I think if they had to clean it up perhaps they would think twice. It begins at home and needs to be reinforced in our schools. Our schools seem to be failing on many levels. There seems to be way too much emphasis on sports and not enough on good citizenship. I know a 12 year old whose father is a teacher in our public high school, this boy lacked all knowledge of energy conservation or environmental stewardship at the most basic level. At home, he sees his parents gas guzzling habits including using a riding motor to do all chores on a 2X4 lot, everything is powered by either electricity or gasoline, no chores are done using hand tools on their very small lot. During world lights out night a few years ago, he was unaware of this effort and his family (his father,the teacher) did not participate in the event. I asked him what they teach about the environment & conservation at school - blank expression - apparently nothing. In addition, this boy is a scout! Some local businesses adopt a highway and do trash clean up with is valuable but not enough. Mrs. Obama is tackling the issue of school lunches, I would hope to see that kind of effort with programs designed to educate being good stewards of the earth. Why anyone would think of throwing thrash out their car window is beyond me. Martha, you have an audience, perhaps you have the resources to lead this effort. One more point about property damage, we had our property damaged, 3 mature arborvitaes cut to the ground and another damaged and mature pines bottom branches removed when some local kids led by a "juvenile delinquent" (not sure is that is the term used today) decided they wanted to make a path through our property for some reason. Two sets of parents (both of which now are divorced) rejected the estimate of a reputable landscaper in our area. The damage to the pines was irreversible. We also found shell casings from a pellet gun under the pines and it seems the "bad kid" would shoot at birds and rabbits etc. from under our trees! I was appalled being a huge animal lover. When I presented his parents with my finding they did not deny it rather they could see nothing wrong with his actions & mocked me for being a vegetarian and interestingly enough, the step mother was a teacher! I had enough of trying to deal with these ignorant folks so I filed a grievance with our local magistrate only to be chided by him at the hearing for not contacting a lawyer before proceeding. Seems in PA parents are not liable for property damages caused by their minor children! How about that one. Perhaps that is also part of the problem. Maybe that is another way to solve this problem, to hold parents responsible for their property damage caused by their children. And finally, insurance companies - seems that we are expected to file a claim with our property insurance company and in turn they try to recoup from the damaging parties insurance company which doesn't seem to make sense to me. You end up paying for the deductible for damage you didn't do and a claim is now on your account. So it seems that in all cases this is a crime you get away with. So it goes back again to education through schools and community programs. And have you noticed in recent years how littering & property damage has increased? I am grateful to have had good role models being a child of parents who lived through the great depression and WWII, those of the greatest generation. Martha you are well traveled, do you see this problem outside of the US? Sorry this is so long but after reading your tweets, I felt I had to respond because these are pet peeves of mine as well. Thank you and again I am sorry to hear of the damage.
Posted by: Claudia | March 27th, 2010 at 10:34 am
It is sad that so many Americans are focused on themselves and mean spirited. I am amazed when I see a smoker toss a cigarette on the ground and stomp on it w/o a care in the world. Don't people know that for every action there is a reaction (good or bad)?
Hope your pretty roadside landscape makes it!
Posted by: cristin @ simplified bee | March 27th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Perhaps instead of bamboo poles, large rocks. We have friends to did that and it seems to have solved the issue.
Posted by: Nancy | March 27th, 2010 at 10:45 am
What a drag, it's tough when you go through work to make something beautiful and people just want to destroy it.
Unfortunately, Martha, you're an easy target.
Stay strong.
Rob Barrett
Cooking for Dads
Posted by: rob barrett | March 27th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Claudia - in short, yes, I see it in Canada. Wholeheartedly agree with your comments. The pride some of us take in our homes, properties and surrounding areas is even rewarded by local miscreants with eggs on our windows. One might even consider it jealousy, that we take pride and work at taking care. Maybe we're making them 'look bad'? It doesn't seem to matter what neighbourhood you live in. I truly believe it comes back to what people are or are not taught at home and yes, in school.
Martha - if you decide to use your platform to lobby governments and other 'voices', I'm sure there are MANY of us out here who would jump on the bandwagon. It's time.
Posted by: Cindy W. | March 27th, 2010 at 10:56 am
I agree with Mary. Beauty is "...a state of mind that is reflected in the actions that we take." And, ugliness is the same. It is a sad situation when someone's mind is full of the sorts of things that result in acts of vandalism. However, I would certainly be upset, too!
Posted by: Shin Ae | March 27th, 2010 at 11:01 am
Oh Martha, You have such a gentle way. I admire how you impart loveliness and inspire me to beautify this space of earth I inhabit for a time. I think maybe someone was having a hard time focusing while driving along your roadside.
May something good come your way today. Kathleen
Posted by: Kathleen Leasure | March 27th, 2010 at 11:34 am
We just did our annual pickup of trash along our road. It's amazing how much accumulates in a year.
Posted by: Brainless Knitter | March 27th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Vandalism is often a cry for attention from youth with no creative outlet for their angst and frustrations. What kind of youth center is available to your local youth? A gym and weight room? Skate board park? Arts and crafts facility? Counselling? The community that provides for youth is less likely to be trashed by youth... although sometimes, somebody falls thru the cracks. Always a shame when energies that could be used constructively are used for destruction.
Posted by: Wendy Bailey | March 27th, 2010 at 11:56 am
That is what we call NOT a good thing.
Posted by: New York Nick | March 27th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Hi Martha,
I do my own lawn work and nothing irritates me more than waking up to see trash in the front yard or tire tracks barely missing the mailbox while someone obviously used the swale area to make a u-turn. I often wish I had a large sensor spotlight and a siren that went off anytime someone decided to drive over the lawn. I doubt people misbehave as much if they think they’re being watched.
~
Sounds like a good idea to gather up the community for a major clean-up. You’re just the leader to get the job done. Sorry to see your nice grounds messed up again. Maybe you need perimeter patrolling as my son refers to it. I pity anyone he catches being somewhere they aren’t supposed to be! Well, try to enjoy the rest of the day – I am off to plant some Zinnias and Marigolds. Trish
Posted by: Trish | March 27th, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Hi Martha
Instead of people being so jealous of your success why don't they learn from it. Obviously this was intentional. I've driven along both Maple Avenue and Girdle Ridge and there is more than enough room for cars to drive. The properties there are quite large and I'm sure the property taxes you pay more than justify your call for a cleaner environment in that area. As usual, you will have to take the lead to get things done. Tell the town to earn their tax revenue.
Posted by: Darrell White | March 27th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
Have to agree with the posts that suggest some large boulders or something big enough to cause more damage to tires than tires can cause to plants -
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The people that are doing this think it's funny - perhaps replacing a couple tires will teach them value -
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They will probably not want to do that more than once - and word will spread - 'don't drive there'!!
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It just boggles the mind - how inconsiderate some people can be!
Posted by: Donna | March 27th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
So sorry that happened to you! I just had a "hit and run" at the parking lot at my office. Wild kids zooming through the parking lot. I feel your pain and hope that it can be repaired. Enjoy your weekend!!!!
Posted by: Lisa/AuthenticSuburbanGourmet | March 27th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
We have a stretch of street, in town, on a curve, where, in the wee hours, people are running, not only into the grass and flowerbeds beside the road, but up into the yard and even into the buildings and telepone poles. One cute little building has been hit 3 times in one week, and, the last time, a big van ended up inside the building! Another place, across the street, has just been remodeled by a lawyer, and a truck went through his flower beds up to the front door. You know this has to be on purpose because those places have been there for many years with no problems.
Posted by: Cecelia | March 27th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Hi Martha, How utterly horrible that someone had the audacity to drive along your beautiful roadside grass area and damage it. You and your lawn crew work so hard to provide a lovely area along your stone fence that is not only clean but attractive. It sure would be nice if more people were thoughtful and caring about keeping a nice area like that undamaged. I know that you guys will clean it up, but wouldn't it be nice if everyone took the time to keep their own areas clean, also. It just seems that we can't trust some people to be responsible for their actions that can lead to damage of other people's property. Sure hope you have a better time the rest of this weekend. Thanks for bloging and tweeting about this incident. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 27th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Hi Martha, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Some people just don't care.
I watch your show everyday, always learn something new.....thanks!!!
Have a wonderful spring weekend.
Dede
Posted by: Dede Savage | March 27th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
There are a lot of jerks out there. Road spikes or large rocks in the grass may do the trick.
Posted by: Renee | March 27th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Yeah, some thoughtless idiots out there. Too bad-can't understand it. Got a question for the Martha Bloggers---does anyone have the plans for a clubhouse or the kid's playhouse that was published in the Martha Stewart's Kids Magazine approx. 2004/2005 spring or summer edition???? thanks.
Posted by: April | March 27th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
My neighbor has fancy plantings all over her yard. When the next door people had a teenage party, guess what the partiers did? They whacked at all her trees and plants. It looked like war!!!
Posted by: Judy | March 27th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
I vote for spikes AND large rocks as they can be very decorative as well as an effective deterrent for someone who maybe incline to destruction. I'm sorry that it had to happen to you. You certainly don't deserve that!
Posted by: Bee | March 27th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
So sorry they distroyed your hard work & property.This behavior makes me so angry & is unacceptable.
One yr. I did same & beautified my property that was visable to a community zone & just when flowers were all grown & beautiful, I came home from a long weekend away to find them gone! Dug up!
I too hold some parents responsible.They're attitude is you can do whatever you want.Get the other guy & don't care...its even funny to them that they've done this & we care.
Not surprizing though I see this same attitude in our government,wall street,some businesses & celebrities (not you,thank you!).No compassion or accountability, I am sorry to say.
We reward & admire the wrong people! Not me. I hate it!
Sorry for your troubles,
L.
Posted by: L.Morehead | March 27th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
It's too bad you couldn't bury a spiked edging just underneath the dirt;-)
So sorry to hear of the damage, Martha.
Posted by: Julie | March 27th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Martha,
It happens here in PA a lot as well. You feel helpless. Soda bottles, cigarette packs ext..These people are despicable!
Posted by: Joseph Patz | March 27th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
So sorry to see what they did to your planting. Just don't understand some poeple.
Posted by: Nikol | March 27th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Says thanks for improving property "for all" because I enjoy seeing beauty when I drive. I'm sorry someone ruined it. I love reading your posts of appreciation for the local history of places. You remind others to enjoy the wonderful history in their location.
Posted by: Karen | March 28th, 2010 at 12:32 am
The damage is regrettable without a doubt, but are you certain it was deliberate? Quite often one has to swerve to the roadside to avoid something...trash, tree debris, animals, etc...in the roadway. It is exasperating I know, but can hopefully be repaired with a minimum of time, expense and effort. Best of luck.
Posted by: Angela | March 28th, 2010 at 3:45 am
This happens in front of our house quite often. We live in a quiet neighborhood with not a lot of traffic. My husband and I have talked about planting something out front to "discourage" people from parking on the front edge of our lawn when visiting neighbors. The problem I am encountering is that this piece of land (closest to the road) is actually an easement that we do not "own" but must maintain. It is frustrating.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 28th, 2010 at 6:22 am
I remember your problem at Turkey Hill ( with Parking along side the road) you placed rocks out , then the city came and removed them! Why not put up cams to catch the sick people that do this? and have them to pay for the clean up / damage And then have them to do community service 20 hours a week to clean up other road sides in the community ?.
Posted by: james | March 28th, 2010 at 7:17 am
Since becoming a homeowner last year, I'm absolutely shocked by the lack of respect for property. My vintage 1925 bungalow is right on a busy street, literally one wall of my house borders the sidewalk due to the street having been widened years ago. My Labrador is constantly bringing me beer cans and fast food packaging that people throw over the fence. I can't even be sure what he has eaten that I don't know about. Then in February I had emergency surgery and came home to recouperate. Imagine my horror when I left my house for the first time afterwards and found graffiti on my front porch and on my wood fence. Fortunately I have the porch paint, but I will have to sand the fence! I do have security cameras, but it had already taped over the vandals since I didn't discover it for a week. I was so disappointed.
Posted by: Safieh | March 28th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Those drunken teenagers behind the wheel again....
Posted by: Jay | March 28th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Dear Martha and your Crew,
Sorry this happen to you. We get the same thing in Lordship, Ct. I am always picking up garbage along my walks. I could help it you need help.
It's not good for the environment.
Please people save our land.
Posted by: Barbara A. Brown | March 28th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Good morning Martha,
My thoughts are that the same individuals who do the destruction (and toss their trash on other’s property) would be very depressed if they had to see bleak landscaping in every direction they look.
Quick story: Last year, in the late evening my brother heard a loud noise. In the morning, he found his mailbox post snapped in half and deep, deep tire tracks on his lawn. He was very upset and did not know who caused the destruction. A few days later, a young man knocked on my brother’s door and apologized for the destruction that he caused while driving drunk. He told my brother that he drives past everyday commuting to and from work and it bothered him that he caused such a mess. To my brother’s surprise, the young man paid for all repairs.
I am still in awe with that story.
I’m sorry that you had that terrible experience. But I very glad to see that they did not touch your beautiful stonewall
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | March 28th, 2010 at 9:25 am
I wonder if it is fans trying to get a look at your home? I am sure it is because they are so stunned with the beauty they lose control of their cars for a bit ..... so don't take it personally!
Last year there is a new company doing the yard work for my neighbours cabin. I saw them twice now throwing their lunch garbage into the bushes of my property and others.
I have cleaned it up put it in a bag and plan to hand it back to them this summer. I won't be rude just matter of fact. I will also mention it to my neighbour when he comes to check on his cabin.
It is hard to see in the summer when the bushes are in full green but as soon as they die back you can see the mess... and I had to go into the thickets and clean it up.
Posted by: Rachel T. Scottt | March 28th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Sorry, Martha, but that doesn't look like deliberate vandalism - just normal winter wear and tear that you have to expect in the country.
I've lived in the north country all my life and I find many urban transplants don't realize that level of winter roadside damage is normal and inevitable from snowplows, storms, runoff, and sometimes it's just necessary for cars or trucks to pull over. (Not talking littering here)
I think that planting so close to the road and putting up stakes is not a good idea, but just an exercise in frustration. If you live in a rural area, you can expect to lose a mailbox to plows from time to time, and putting in stakes is only useful in urban areas where there's not much snow or rain.
Posted by: Morag | March 28th, 2010 at 10:03 am
I'm so sorry. Something like this has happened to me, too! There are grouped mailboxes in front of our house, and people often drive a little too close to the grass in order to reach into the mailbox from their car windows. On a muddy day, there can be long term damage. I just fix it and go on.
Large rocks have crossed my mind, too.
Posted by: Darcy | March 28th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Martha has already tried the rocks suggestion at her Turkey Hill home. Her attempt ended with the public works hauling away all the rocks, citing they were a danger to snowplows, cars, etc. Bedford may also have such a policy.
I lived in the state of AL which has no bottle deposit; the amount of cans and bottles as well as other trash in the ditch is unreal. Disgusting. A bottle deposit law can make a difference!
Posted by: Arlene | March 28th, 2010 at 10:47 am
I have a hard time believing people are so dis considerate. I guess all that junk they watch in TV hasn't contributed anything positive to their lives. Hope you can get it cleaned up soon and that your local government takes charges and helps all of you with that problem... have a nice sunday!
Posted by: Punctuation Mark | March 28th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Time to replace those stakes with large boulders that would do some damage to a wayward auto.
Posted by: Martha in KS | March 28th, 2010 at 11:25 am
Hey Martha and staff! I just don't understand why people are so lazy and don't want nice looking stuff, doesn't matter the cost just take care of it. Im only 24 and i try to take superb care of my stuff it just shows you the kind of person you are.
Have a great week
Jeremy
Posted by: Jeremy L | March 28th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
I am so sorry this has happened, but I am so happy that you are trying! : )
Posted by: La Donna | March 28th, 2010 at 4:58 pm
I am so sorry that this is happening to you. You love beauty and try to beautify everything in and around you. Some people are jealous of you and want to do some mean things just to hurt you. However, we have some of that type of damage in our neighborhood and large and decorative rocks placed along the edge of the yard have done the trick. These mean people don't want to ruin their cars. Hope you solve your problem soon. Good luck
Posted by: Sylvia | March 28th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Martha,
Sorry for your loss, although it could have been worse. I don't know..out of all the posts that you have written, this one doesn't seem to belong here. or maybe posted in a different way. Now everyone who reads this may think that you are really mad etc.(some may even think, over something stupid.) Who would't be upset, you are not the first nor will you be the last to have this happen to. Perhaps, if you would have written about how in all your travels you see so much trash along the roadways, and how we should take care of them just like our homes, and educate people in a more positive way you could acheive better results. Be the better person..instead of causing more anger..be proactive. You certainly have the know how and the money to do so. So take a deep breath and think about it..Its a good thing! Just like you.
Posted by: Carolyn | March 28th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
BAMBOO it's not the last straw(what dried out...grass is sometimes). Maybe it will stop or slow one day. And if it happens on purpose or by accident one has to still deal with it and protect their STAKE.
CLLCM
Washington, DC
Posted by: Stephen T. Jones | March 28th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Martha---I too am dismayed by the lack of civility and kindness in today's world...we are constantly picking up bottles, cigarette butts & fast food wrappers from the yards...when did people become such slobs?
I would love to see you do a forum on etiquette on The Martha Stewart Show...
Please include a discussion on cell phone etiquette! Cell usage is OUT OF CONTROL.
Posted by: Jonathan Brown | March 28th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
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Please see solutions that worked for me which I posted to you on Twitter - andreaandweims.
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From flat tire riders, to photo surprise, and onward to college student annual cleanup, complete with media coverage.
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Being outsmarted doesn't quite appeal to me.
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Best of luck!
.
Posted by: andrea and weims on twitter | March 28th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Martha, I can not believe the damage those vandals did to your property. I wish you well and hope they don't discourage you from trying to restore the landscape. Their thoughtful acts should not discourage you. Many of us ... including most of your neighbors appreciate the beauty you create!
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | March 28th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
It is indeed an epidemic. I live in the poorest city in my county in South Florida and every Sunday morning you can see where others use our neighborhood to cut through, instead of just going to the light and making a right turn on the main roads and you can see this street littered with fast food, empty beer containers and other miscellaneous garbage. It all boils down to a society without manners. Young and old, you see them every day, parents that don't tell their children to wait their turn, parents on cell phones in the grocery stores, drs offices, don't get me started. Every garbage day in my neighborhood I come home to see how much of my neighbors garbage has landed in my yard because they are just fine with their garbage blowing around I guess. Please someone give me a reality check, I am the only person on God's green earth that knows how and does manually vacuum pack my garbage bags before I put them in the can. Once I had to knock on my neighbors door and tell him that I've noticed flied following me into my house as I take in the groceries and couldn't help but notice how his raw garbage on the other side of our fence by by front door was the problem. He said, my garbage can is covered. WOW! I am a very nice, polite and overly considerate person. Unfortunately, so many others are too but they are very nice, polite and considerate to themselves. There are too many people on this planet that have not problem inconveniencing others to convenience themselves. You will notice this next time you see the people parked on curbs at the grocery store or elsewhere in the parking lot. To top it off, they will be right in front of the door to be in the way of anyone entering or exiting the business. Here is a good one for you, when was the last time you actually saw a handicap person park in a hadicap parking space? Then you have to ask, and please don't be offended, are they old, fat, or have possibly had knee surgery. The point is, far too many people abuse this service. If people are that shallow can we really expect them not to litter on God's green earth? The schools down here in South Florida blame the parents, the parents blame the schools. It doesn't take either to join the human race and care about something besides yourself.
Posted by: Pegi | March 29th, 2010 at 12:41 am
That is so direspectful as you work so hard to keep your grounds beautiful. On our way home from church yesterday we noticed all of the trash littering the beautiful hedgerows where we had gathered hedgeapples last fall. It is sad as we like you work to keep our grounds clean.
Posted by: Pam from Indiana | March 29th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
HAY maybe this will help until you can restore the area. http://www.nps.gov/cherry/cherry-blossom-maps.htm
I chose to spell HAY this way rather than HEY for we are also talking plant biology or botany here sort of.
The End
CLLCM
Washington, DC
Posted by: Stephen T. Jones | March 29th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
Maybe you can wrap the bamboo stakes with reflective tape, maybe that will help.
Also, one time I was crossing the street, it was raining buckets, and this guys swerves his car
to hit a puddle and blast me (they are out there)!! Good Effort, I think you should keep with it! Luvs
Posted by: LifeDelicacy | March 29th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Martha, I am so sorry that you have had this happen and don't agree with the selective reader comments that(a)minimized this by judging the damage as "only" an accident,(b) suggested you should not have included this in your blog, or, worst of all,(3)insisting that it could have been worse! Not only are those insensitive comments, they speak to the heart of the problem itself. It is a sad and unfortunate fact that our society has become much less civilized in the past few decades. When traveling to Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, I have been astounded by the cleanliness and order in those countries. What a breath of fresh air to see those citizens take pride in their homes and communities while their governments support them! Doesn't it speak volumes of us as a nation, that this value, for the most part, has eroded in the same way that our literacy, civility, and sense of etiquette have? Martha, as you have read, most of us have experienced acts of intentional vandalism and we can relate to the sense of outrage you certainly feel. I say, never stop talking about it; and yes, you absolutely should be upset. We have to speak about it if we ever hope for change. Through the years, living in different parts of the country, I've had my home splattered with eggs, mailbox and front porch damaged with fireworks, two prized trees intentionally poisoned, and more grass than I care to remember destroyed by folks intent on driving through it. Picking up trash thrown out a car window or scooping up other people's pets' poop has become nearly a daily occurrence. Currently, I live near a lovely old historic town in the south. The owners of several of these gracious antebellum homes have found it necessary to put heavy, unattractive iron spikes around the perimeters of their property to protect from drunks, vandals, and careless drivers. How sad is that? Until we can instill missing values in our children and citizens as a whole, I would suggesting installing a set of non-obtrusive surveillance cameras as deterrents. Perhaps, by speaking out, you will ultimately be able to gain citizen support and help from your local government. Sorry for the long post. You have certainly hit on a subject many of us are passionate about.
Posted by: Mary Kay | March 30th, 2010 at 10:59 am
Our neighborhood formed a group that patrols our streets on a regular basis to pick up the things people throw out of their car window. No respects their neighborhoods any more. Often what we do to beautify an area is damaged by vandals. Sadly, I think it begins at home. Janice
Posted by: wool creator | March 30th, 2010 at 1:58 pm
Martha, that is what Spring looks like. First the dirty snowbanks. Then mud and brush. Your unsightly picture with trash had no litter in it. Lighten up... I am sure your town will be more than happy to clean up as soon as they can.take a deep breath.
Posted by: Dan | March 30th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
God people are annoying sometimes... Folks around this neighborhood just leave their dogs' doo all over the grass. Along the lines of, "use-something-other-than-the-bamboo" - What about one of those low-to-the-ground wrought iron fences? The really short ones that you usually see around trees and hedges? I don't think anyone is looking to impale their tires n a fence, but it is still relatively nice looking. Might make mowing the lawn hard though... Probably also too expensive to be worth it. Just a thought, anyway. Good luck!
Posted by: Ariane in Upstate NY | March 31st, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Hi Martha, I am part of a group of very active bird watchers in the Chester Co, PA, area. One of the areas that we monitor the bird population is Longwood Gardens. Having heard that you now have a home in our area, would you be interested in joining us? We bird all over the tri-state area. All of our data goes into a national database for scientific study. I think you would really enjoy it and can picture you with all the expected accessories.
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