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March 15, 2006

“The karmatic path of a tree hugger”

From Kathleen C. Marcey, Lakeside Village, Palm Springs, Fl.

Firstly, I find myself alone on this narrow path. No one that I spoke to at the Board of Directors or Manager level

was concerned about the replacement of our trees which were lost in 2005. They admit that they do not

know what the native trees and plants are for SE Florida. They are completely unaware that trees control the

water table, prevent flooding around the retention pond, give shade and cool relief to the unit owners, increase

the value of the property up to 20%, reduce Co2 levels, oxygenate the air and are beautiful to look upon as the

seasons change; if native are planted in the right location.

The Chairwoman of the Beautification Committee appears to be threatened that I may make a decision on my own.

And no one can give me an answer on how much money there is for landscaping, only that the budget has a

$10,000. line item for tree removal and none for replacement.

I say, “Am I my brothers’ keeper? “ If I choose this path less traveled by, I should know that my neighbors and

Board are not in tune with their environment and it is incumbent upon me to educate them , as I educate myself.

In that vein, I have attended the Palm Beach Flower Show.,last week at Bryant Park, Lake Worth. There was a

“Native Plants Society” booth where I was shown small shrubs and trees native to SW Florida. At the Mounts
Botanical

Garden booth, I purchased a recommended book, “Best Natives” by Bill Nelson. Then I purchased a couple of shrubs

“Firecracker” and “Buttonwood” and felt compelled to buy a bonsai for my patio. And on I spent, buying 3 Cracker Rose

ramblers that I would donate to the club house fence.

I started to memorize the Latin names and visualize my future landscape around my building blooming with variety.

Then I was shot down by the Chairlady! Her dictum: “We don’t need any more trees, where would we put them,

won’t they block the view, oh, they are too big. No we won’t be buying trees. There is no money for trees,

who told you there was any money for your building.

No, you can’t plant trees even if the money is donated. We are planting bougainvilla (non-native).

Would you like to plant crotons (non-native).“

Clearly this has become my karma road and it is not shaded by any trees!

Posted by joewest at March 15, 2006 2:34 PM