Monday, March 31, 2014

Sight for Sore Eyes

This is the walking path that is closest to our house.  At this time of year when it is used the most, it has been closed for refurbishment.  I'm all for improvement so expected great things.  Unfortunately, those who did the planning were not thinking clearly at all and certainly were not considering the environment.
When we walked by there the other day, I was disgusted and disappointed to see what had been done.  It's still cordoned off so it was hard to get a good picture, but the track has been painted like a garish rainbow, the trees in the middle are fake with fairy lights and the green stuff, it's basically a carpet.  All of the real grass was ripped out so they could roll out fake grass.  And that fake grass has to be glued down with what I am sure is toxic glue.  Now I know we live in a desert country and during the summer it is hard to keep things alive, but people waste water each and every day cleaning their cars.  This walking path is right next to a Hardee's where they wash the drive thru area with a hose every single day.   
The walking path is 1 kilometer around so you can image how much fake stuff has been used.  Such a waste.
 Fortunately, there are people who do care about the environment and their surroundings.  Our neighbor just around the corner has created a beautiful oasis around his property.  Everything is well maintained and cared for and the butterflies were having a field day when we walked by there on Saturday.





It still boggles my mind that anyone would think it is a good idea to create a fake landscape on such a large scale.  I for one do not even want to go there once it is open again.  I'm sure at night it will look nice with all its fake fairly light trees lit up but I much prefer a natural environment.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles. 
― Anne FrankThe Diary of a Young Girl

30 comments:

Terra said...

I would be annoyed as you are to see something like this happen; fake grass and trees! Do NOT tell me palm trees don't grow there. Your neighbor has created an oasis that is a little bit of heaven. In the city where I live, by the way, plans would be submitted and neighbors notified before any big change like that, and it wouldn't happen or at least without a fight!

September Violets said...

This really is such a shame. The walking path looks like a race track now, and not serene at all. If they didn't want to water grass, they surely could've put something that could survive drought conditions ... lots of plants survive with little water, and even a rocky landscape would look nicer than fake grass. I feel badly for you that you've lost this special place. Your neighbour's garden, however, is beautiful, and how lucky that they ARE your neighbours! Hopefully you'll be able to claim a new area for your enjoyable walks Tammy. Wendy x

Wanda said...

What a shame when "God's Nature" is so much more lovely than anything man can do. I suppose you are right, it may look nice at night time..but you can hang lights on real trees too.

You pictures of the flowers and butterflies are excellent.

Mistea said...

Just another example of the way man thinks he knows best! Talk about upsetting the balance of nature trying to imitate it. Uggh.
Lights in real trees indeed, there is a giant tree in a park in my suburb that has a star on top which is lit for all of December, it looks amazing.

Marilyn said...

it seems that common sense is a thing of the past. At least you have a lovely garden to enjoy close to home... that is a sight to behold...maybe you should write him/her a note to say thank you!!!!!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Tammy,

I love all the pretty flowers, plants and butterflies from your neighbours gorgeous garden.
Why oh why do they think that fake grass and trees are better than nature - so awful and can see why you would be wanting to walk somewhere else.
happy week
hugs
Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Race track was the first thing I thought of too. It certainly won't be a peaceful place for the eyes anymore. I'm so sorry they did that to your lovely walking place.

Linda said...

I don't like the way it looks either. I much prefer the path that runs directly behind our backyard - I can walk right onto it and walk for 4 miles round trip if I so choose. It used to be an unused railroad track when we first built our home 14 years ago. I kind of liked it all natural like that because it would get overgrown in the summer months and provided a lot of privacy. Now we have people walking and biking past our backyard, but it's a small town so there's not that many people and I'd still much rather have the walk/bike path than neighbors close by, so I'm happy for it. Our town has now added beautiful lighting to the entire path, which mimic antique gas lanterns, so it's all very tastefully done. I'm thankful they didn't decide to paint it rainbow like the one there, but I see that you still have many nice places to walk - your neighbor's yard with gardens is lovely.

Linda

Diane said...

Anne Frank was wise beyond her years, wasn't she?
I don't blame you, Tammy, that sounds awful. Why don't you come take a walk with me around the creek. There are a few people who don't take care of their property but mostly it's very peaceful - and real (so far!).

Pradeepa said...

Nothing can compare to the beauty of nature. I love the flowers and butterflies from your neighbour's garden.

Taci simmons said...

Hi Tammy, I agree with you 110%. Nothing compares to nature and the beauty of nature cannot be replaced. Too bad that they would spend so much time, money and energy to do such a thing.

Londoneya said...

What a terrible shame! When you commented about this on my blog I had no idea it would look so terrible. What possessed them to colour the pavement like that? I also prefer natural environments to man-made ones and it's so sad that they had to rip out the real stuff. Perhaps someone needs to complain!

Betsy said...

Reading through the comments I agree with them 100%. I think it looked much better before. Your neighbor has the right idea. Beautiful!
Blessings,
Betsy

crafty cat corner said...

I'm with you all the way Tammy. Here people are putting down decking, wood chips, paving etc in front and rear gardens. No wonder the bird life is in decline, there are no bushes or flowers.
I get so angry over this, people are just so lazy they can't bothered to keep a garden.
I love the hollyhock and sunflower though.
Briony
x

Tanna said...

Wow. That is really bright. I do love that giant sunflower handing its head! Just gorgeous! Glad that person has a green thumb. ;) blessings ~ tanna

Yesteryear Embroideries said...

Some folks just don't get it. And they don't understand why their actions cause our concern for the landscape and environment Beautiful flowers though!.

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said...

Dearest Tammy,
Indeed what a HUGE turn off... But those in power decided, without ever thinking!
How will they be able to keep it clean; once those sand storms come?
Your neighbor is doing a great job and instead of such fake plantings they better used desalinated water for creating a real garden.
Love the quote from Dutch Anne Frank and that that said from a 14 year old Jewish girl in a concentration camp gives it even more power...
Hugs to you; cannot enter the internet during the day so early mornings are my chance!
Mariette

Dagmar said...

It does boggle the mind to think that would be acceptable, do love the people that had the vision to plant such a wonderful combination of plants to attract the butterflies"

~*~Patty S said...

Oh deary me...I would be sad and disgusted too...the whole point of nature is that it be 'natural' ... shame that had to happen ... I hope you can find and enjoy more 'real' surroundings like the neighbor with the glorious garden ... our daffodils are just popping so our parade of flowers is about to begin ... you have so much in bloom already = those hollyhocks make my he♥rt go pitter pat especially reminding me of my childhood ...
Here's wishing you and yours a Happy April Tammy oxo

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Oh dear Tammy
I know how much you love your walks, I always love your posts with images rof what you see along the way.
Town planners are no different here- it seems to be an opportunity for anyone with hare brain ideas to have them brought to fruition!!! Beats me.
What could be more beautiful than enhanced nature....
Maybe a petition from all who use the walkway could gain an about turn - or is that wishful thinking?
Take care Tammy and don't give up hope.
love
Shane

Pearlin J said...

It's really sad to see real replaced by fake. Love your neighbours garden, so beautiful!

Createology said...

Maybe you can merely enjoy your neighbors lovely garden with the beautiful butterflies. Sad to see fake and plastic. Blessings Dear...

Rostrose said...

Oh Tammy, that's really a pitty! It reminds me a bit to Las Vegas where we saw fake grass carpets, too (well, LV is also situated in a dessert ... and there are also lots of water wasted ...) Our world is getting more and more a plasctic world ... and it's really a fortune that there are people who provide a beautiful and natural environment, such as your neighbor!
Get my hugs, dear Tammy - and anyhow: Have a happy weekend!
Traude
✿ܓܓ✿ܓ✿ܓ✿ ♥♥♥♥ ܓܓ✿ܓ✿ܓ

Vicki Boster said...

Oh my goodness- what a horrible use of color. I agree with you- that would give me a headache! The other space looks so tranquil and lovely-- what stark contrasts!!

Love
Vicki

Our Neck of the Woods said...

That is sad what they did with the walking path. I am always one for the more natural look and what is kind to the environment!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Tammy, sad your walking path has been made fake. Your neighbor yard is most gorgeous. The blooms are so colorful and glorious. I especially love the hollyhock , beautiful shades of pink. Thanks for sharing. Hugs Judy

kathyinozarks said...

oh my this is so sad and I would be very very upset as well-I would choose to walk near your neighbors beautiful plants now and enjoy the butterflies

Cat said...

What a real shame to replace the grass with something plastic. I hope that you have somewhere else you can walk and enjoy being in a more natural environment. x

podso said...

You should probably call this sore eyes because of the sight. This is disappointing, but I can't really imagine what it's like to have to struggle so much to grow fresh things in the climate there. Still the rainbow path is a bit much! I hope you have other nice places to walk!

Helen Philipps said...

Such a shame what has been done to your walk, Tammy. Fake grass and trees and a stripy pathway are not making the most of the place.....I hope you can find somewhere else to take your nature walks instead. On the other hand, your neighbour's garden is so beautiful, what lovely neighbours to have!
Enjoy your spring break, I hope you have lots of (nice) walks, yummy treats and crafting time!
Helen xox

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...