GUEST EDITORIAL: Alabama Bicentennial: 200 ways to save Alabama for the next 200 years

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Cullman Tribune file photo

Ben Johnson South (Cullman Tribune file photo)

The following is a guest editorial by local author Ben Johnson South, who offers Gov. Kay Ivey his suggestions on how to save Alabama for the next 200 years as we celebrate our state's Bicentennial. See more about the Bicentennial at www.alabama200.org.

Dear Governor Ivey:

I'm writing this as a "love letter" to my native and sweet home state of Alabama as we celebrate our Bicentennial. Here are 200 simple things we can do as citizens to save Alabama land and wildlife for the next 200 years:

1) KEEP ALABAMA GREEN and NATURAL- Volunteer with groups like Cahaba Riverkeepers, Alabama Audubon Society, North Alabama AGRIPLEX

2) CAN IT- The Alabama Cooperative Extension still teaches canning, pickling, freezing food preparation in every county

3) ENJOY SLOW FOOD- return to family-prepared, prayed-over, eaten-together meals

4) USE CLOTH GROCERY BAGS AND RESUABLE CONTAINERS

5) PROVIDE NUTRITIOUS FOOD TO NEEDY- Alabama spends $65 million taxpayer dollars each year on colas and candy; a simple barcode change could swap that for fresh, farm produce

6) DUST YOUR LIGHTBULBS- this can use 40 percent less electricity

7) CREATE AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM and EDIBLE GARDEN IN EVERY ALABAMA SCHOOL

8) PLANT A BICENTENNIAL SHADE TREE

9) EAT ALABAMA FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN SEASON

10) DON'T TRASH ALABAMA; DISPOSE PICNIC LITTER THOUGHTFULLY

11) WASTE NOT WITH COUNTYWIDE "GLEANING"- share unharvested produce with food charities, also, with health-department approved, end-of-day food from school and hospital cafeterias

12) DON'T PLANT INVASIVE SPECIES IN ALABAMA

13) DO PLANT NATIVE AND WELL-BEHAVED NON-NATIVE SPECIES

14) GIVE YOUR OLD EYEGLASSES TO AN ALABAMA EYEGLASS RECYCLING PROGRAM

15) CREATE BETTER, LOCAL BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE-get FREE advice from the Bikes Belong Coalition

16) DON'T USE GARDEN CHEMICALS INDISCRIMINATELY AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE LABEL CAREFULLY

17) GIVE MORE EXPERIENCES AND FEWER THINGS- consider tickets to Alabama music, arts, sports events

18) VOTE IN EVERY ALABAMA ELECTION- be well-informed and be a good citizen, VOTE

19) RECYCLE BY BUYING ALABAMA ANTIQUES AND USED GOODS

20) SET YOUR REFRIGERATOR AT 40F AND FREEZER AT 5F- anything below doesn't preserve food any better and wastes energy

21) CREATE A COMMUNITY SONGBIRD ZONE- discourage loud noise; plant specific trees; provide off-the-ground water and resting sites

22) PLAY IN THE ALABAMA DIRT- buy a bag of marbles from your local toy store

23) SLING MUD AT AN ALABAMA POTTERY CLASS- make a Bicentennial cider jug

24) WASH CLOTHES ONLY WHEN THEY ARE REALLY DIRTY

25) REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING TO YOUR COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

26) CAULK AND WEATHER-STRIP AIR LEAKS TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY

27) SHOP FOR PRODUCE REGULARLY AT ALABAMA FARMERS MARKETS

28) REPLACE LOW-NUTRITION BABY/CHILD FOODS WITH WIC PURCHASES FROM ALABAMA FARMERS MARKETS

29) CELEBRATE ALABAMA EARTH DAY EVERY APRIL 22

30) FILE YOUR ALABAMA STATE INCOME TAXES ELECTRONICALLY

31) DON’T OVER-FERTILIZE- base your application rate on FREE soil test results from your county extension office

32) DON'T OVERSHOP- use what you have on hand; finish off your pantry, first

33) THINK BEFORE YOU EAT- end mindless snacking in front of electronics and in vehicles to lower Alabama's obesity rate

34) MAKE HYBRID CARS MORE STATUSY FOR ALABAMA AFFLUENT DRIVERS- covet expensive, fossil-fuel vehicles less

35) REIMAGINE THE VICTORY GARDEN TO CREATE A SELF-RELIANCE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN

36) SIGN UP TO PAY BILLS ONLINE THROUGH YOUR ALABAMA BANK

37) CONSIDER AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE FOR ALABAMA CITIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES

38) PUT THE "FIELD" BACK IN ALABAMA SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS- visit a farm, stockyard, orchard

39) HELP DRAFT A GRASSROOTS 10-YEAR, 50-YEAR, 200-YEAR PLAN FOR ALABAMA SUSTAINABILITY

40) BUY OR RAISE AN ALABAMA TURKEY FOR THANKSGIVING- explore heritage poultry for a Bicentennial feast

41) HANG A MIRROR ACROSS FROM A WINDOW TO REFLECT NATURAL SUNLIGHT

42) SUPPORT A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm and receive regular, seasonal, fresh food from a local farmer

43) ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO MATCH THE CHRISTMAS SUNDAY DONATION- you and your associates give to an Alabama charity

44) MAKE ALABAMA BERRY JUICE POPSICLES

45) GROW AN ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL VEGETABLE GARDEN- plant heritage seeds for unique flavors from the past along with the newer pest-resistant varieties

46) MULCH- slow weed growth without chemicals and keep soil moist and cool

47) BUY AN ALABAMA WILDLIFE VEHICLE TAG

48) HOE ALABAMA- hoeing is good exercise and sometimes the best way to control weeds

49) START A PETITION FOR YOUR PUBLIC AREAS TO RESPECT ALABAMA LAND AND WILDLIFE

50) DYE YOUR EASTER EGGS WITH BLUEBERRIES AND WITH BEET JUICE as an Alabama Bicentennial holiday salute

51) TURN OFF THE WATER AS YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH- this can save five gallons of water per brushing

52) DON'T LITTER MT. CHEAHA OR ANY ALABAMA HIKING HILLSIDE

53) WASH YOUR HANDS IN COLD WATER- hot tap water is not hot enough to kill bacteria; use biodegradable hand soap

54) COLLECT FREE, NATURAL RAINWATER- Alabama rainwater can meet 80 percent of home needs

55) USE CEDAR CHIPS TO DETER MOTHS, NOT CANCER-CAUSING MOTHBALLS

56) HELP ALABAMA LAWMAKERS KNOW YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES

57) DON'T WARM YOUR VEHICLE ON IDLE- just drive gently the first few miles

58) GIFT ALABAMA-GROWN FLOWERS AND HOUSEPLANTS

59) USE LIGHT-COLORED ROOFING TO DEFLECT INTENSE, ALABAMA SUN RAYS- explore "cool roofs" and even a roof-top garden

60) MOBILIZE CHURCHES TO PROVIDE RURAL TRANSPORTATION FOR SICK, ELDERLY, HUNGRY

61) BUILD ON ALABAMA’S HISTORY OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING TO CREATE “GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE PRE-FAB HOMES”

62) GIVE YOUR ALABAMA CHRISTMAS SUNDAY VOLUNTEER HOURS- to the statewide Christmas Bird Count, ww.audubon.org

63) BUY/FILL A WATER CANTEEN AND WALK MORE

64) SUPPORT LOCAL, ALABAMA BUSINESSES

65) COOK MORE ALABAMA VEGETABLES "AL DENTE"- more nutrition and less energy use

66) CARRY SCHOOL AND WORK LUNCHES RESPONSIBLY- reusable lunch box/bag, thermos, metal utensils, cloth napkin

67) HAVE ALABAMA, EARTH-FRIENDLY PICNICS- use biodegradable paper plates, drinking straws and napkins and let kids add to compost

68) LET FAST-CHANGING KIDS RENT TOYS- rent American Girl dolls, Hot Wheels, other from www.pley.com

69) PULL OR DIG WEEDS RATHER THAN GRABBING FOR A CHEMICAL—good exercise and often more effective

70) TAKE THE TRAIN FROM BIRMINGHAM TO MOBILE- it's safer, less stressful, less polluting

71) QUIT SMOKING

72) BARBECUE WITH RECLAIMED, SCRAPWOOD CHARCOAL- start your fires as Alabama Bicentennial settlers did, no lighter fluid

73) BUILD ALABAMA FELLED-WOOD FURNITURE

74) DON'T USE LAWN AND GARDEN CHEMICALS NEAR PONDS- Alabama lawn owners use more poisons than farmers

75) ADOPT YOUR NEXT PET FROM AN ALABAMA HUMANE SHELTER

76) TRASH YOUR ELECTRIC CAN OPENER IF YOU ARE ABLE- also, no one is so precious they need an energy-using towel warmer

77) USE INTERNET TELEPHONE SEARCHES NOT A TREE-KILLING PAPER PHONE BOOK-call your distributor to stop this waste

78) ORGANIZE/SUPPORT AN ANNUAL ARBOR DAY TREE SALE OR GIVEAWAY

79) PICK UP SOME LITTER EVERY DAY

80) CREATE A VOLUNTEER "WEEKEND FOOD BACKPACK" PROGRAM FOR HUNGRY ALABAMA KIDS WHO RECEIVE "FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES"

81) DEFINE VOLUNTEER "HALOS OF HELP" THROUGHOUT YOUR ALABAMA COUNTY- include an emergency food bin source and a community mini-pantry

82) MAKE YOUR NEXT COMPUTER A LAPTOP- desktop computers use five times the energy

83) DON'T LOOK JERKY REVVING YOUR MOTOR- smooth driving saves 40 percent on fossil-fuel consumption

84) PRINT LESS AND USE BOTH SIDES OF PAPER- the paper industry uses 40 percent of wood sold

85) SUPPORT ALABAMA TIRE DEALERS WITH TIRE COLLECTION PROGRAMS

86) WASH WINDOWS WITH VINEGAR WATER- use cloth or old newspapers rather than paper towels

87) RECYCLE DRINK CANS- the U.S. could rebuild its entire commercial airline fleet from aluminum cans citizens trash each year

88) BUY USED THINGS, SELL OR GIVE USED THINGS TO CHARITIES

89) USE BAKING SODA + BOILING WATER + PLUNGER TO DECLOG DRAINS- (Full disclosure: I'll try this next time and confirm)

90) TREASURE ALABAMA WETLANDS (marshes, ponds, bogs) FOUND IN ALL 67 COUNTIES- wetlands purify water seeping into rivers and over-development threatens these areas

91) STOP USING PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS-the U.S. uses 100 billion plastic shopping bags a year and only 2 percent are recycled; a plastic bag can last 200 years, and they kill our Gulf sea life and pollute air

92) DONATE EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK to reuse centers when you make home changes

93) MAKE ANY CHLORINATED ALABAMA TAP WATER TASTE BETTER by installing a filter on your faucet

94) LEARN HOW TO PREVENT CAMPING FIRES AND THE BENEFITS OF CONTROLLED BURNS

95) USE FREE ALABAMA SUNSHINE TO HEAT YOUR WATER AND HOUSE- solar panels pay for themselves in 7-10 years- and explore Federal tax incentives to install

96) FEED KIDS NATURAL CURIOSITY with nature trips to Alabama forests, state parks, preserves; give binoculars as a family gift

97) TAKE A SHOPPING LIST TO THE GROCERY STORE EVERY VISIT-avoid overconsumption

98) BOOKS AND IDEAS NEED TO CIRCULATE-get a FREE Alabama public library card and use it often

99) AVOID BUYING TAKEOUT FOOD-plan to eat inside and avoid additional packaging

100) RECYCLE YOUR OLD CELLPHONE FOR CHARITIES-ask your service provider; sell newer models on eBay

101) DON'T FEED DEER, DUCKS, OTHER ALABAMA WILDLIFE-they can become dependent on receiving food rather than naturally obtaining it

102) INVEST IN SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ALABAMA COMPANIES AND BUSINESSES that reflect your values

103) TURN OFF THE LIGHTS

104) REDISCOVER TRADITIONAL REMEDIES-white vinegar banishes mold and mildew; baking soda will scour a tub instead of harmful chemicals

105) SLOW YOUR CHASSIS DOWN-driving at 75 mph rather than 55 mph increases fuel consumption 20 percent

106) DON’T PUT HEATED LEFTOVERS IN THE REFRIGERATOR UNTIL THEY HAVE COOLED

107) GIVE YOUR CHILD'S OLD TOYS TO ANOTHER CHILD-take a photo of the toys as a keepsake

108) LESSEN TRIBALISM-Alabama is better altogether; let's honor our commonalities for the good of all who share this hallowed ground

109) HOST AN ANNUAL "SPLOTHER SALE" to purge objects and try to not buy as much splother the next year

110) HAVE YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE TUNED-regular tune-ups can reduce polluting emissions by 20 percent and save 10 percent on fossil fuel

111) THINK UP-think of your environmental-consciousness as positive not as sacrifice; feel stronger about biking not driving; feel healthier eating whole not processed foods; feel more connected to Alabama land and your neighbors

112) BUY ALABAMA-MADE MORE AND REDUCE GLOBAL TRANSPORT

113) THINK GREEN BEFORE YOU SPEND YOUR GREEN-ask questions about eco-friendly before buying; buy only want you need; avoid trend-spending

114) TURN DOWN WINTER THERMOSTATS 5 percent-living areas at 68F and bedrooms at 64

115) EVERY COMMUNITY NEEDS A "DYING CHRISTMAS TREE COMPOST CHIPPER"-to create mulch for those who insist on a newly cut tree each holiday

116) CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS TO LESSEN SOIL EROSION-design for well-placed downspouts

117) PLACE A CAPPED BOTTLE OF SAND IN YOUR TOILET TANK-every flush will use less water (Note: Don't use a brick for this because pieces of brick can get into plumbing and cause leaks)

118) BUY ALABAMA-HARVESTED SEAFOOD certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council

119) WEAR FEWER CLOTHES AND REDUCE AIR-CONDITIONING IN YOUR CAR AND HOME

120) THINK BEFORE YOU OPEN A REFRIGERATOR DOOR-What do you want? Keep it orderly and quicker to find things; 30 percent of cool air escapes every time you open the door

121) EAT MORE ALABAMA PLANTS WITH MEATLESS MONDAYS

122) REST YOUR HOME WHEN GONE FOR TWO DAYS OR MORE-Unplug all electronics and heating/cooling

123) LET KIDS WALK TO SCHOOL OR TAKE A BIKE-uphill both ways like your Alabama grandparents did

124) TAKE YOUR WATER CUP AND COFFEE MUG TO WORK-get your bosses to stop using disposables

125) REMOVE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS FROM CATALOG COMPANIES

126) ASK ALABAMA POLITICIANS TO STOP MAILING THEIR HYPE

127) LEASH YOUR DOG ON WALKS AND DON'T TRAMPLE PLANTLIFE

128) TAKE YOUR OLD MOTOR OIL TO A COLLECTION SITE-60 percent of Alabamians change their own oil

129) DRESS FOR THE EARTH'S SUCCESS-have fewer dry-cleaned clothes

130) ADJUST YOUR DAY TO SUN UP AND SUNDOWN LIKE ALABAMA FARMERS

131) CREATE AN ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL CAMELLIA TEA GARDEN-with a state flower camellia variety for each of the 67 counties

132) RECYCLE PLASTIC BOTTLES AND GET YOUR OFFICE AND CHURCH TO-1 recycled plastic bottle = 6 hours of a lighted 60-watt bulb

133) THINK BIGGER, LIVE SMALLER-think before you buy a big house, big vehicle, big television; Do you really need it?

134) DON'T CASUALLY KILL ALABAMA FISH-buy low-or-no phosphate soaps; increased phosphates mean less oxygen for fish

135) CHOOSE DOUBLE-GLAZED WINDOW PANES

136) MORE YARDENING/LESS LAWN—plant ornamental grasses; install pebble walks and seating areas and a drought-resistant rock garden

137) BUILD A COMPOSTING BIN to make your own organic soil enhancer

138) PROMOTE CAR-SHARING IN ALABAMA CITIES-80 percent of in-town driving is for one person; explore car-renting like Zipcar

139) CREATE A COMMUNITY DEMONSTRATION/TEACHING GARDEN and host "How To" parties

140) HAVE AN ALABAMA VOLUNTEER-BASED STAYCATION-donate a few days to a wildlife preserve clean-up

141) CREATE A BICYCLE-SHARING NETWORK FOR YOUR TOWN-Birmingham has a model program but this could be done in small towns with a Facebook group

142) BUY A BUSHEL-AND-A-PECK not individual packaging

143) CLEAN UP AN ALABAMA RIVERBANK-volunteers are always needed to aid aquatic biodiversity

144) DON'T DRIVE LOUD, ANIMAL ANXIETY-PRODUCING TRUCKS, TRAIL BIKES, WATERCRAFT

145) WEAR LESS COSMETIC MAKEUP and recycle used containers

146) BUY REFILLABLE PRODUCTS-look for these in your grocery store; ask store buyers to consider getting more

147) BUY FREE-FARMED OR TOTALLY FREE-RANGE ALABAMA POULTRY

148) HELP AN ALABAMA FARMER OR ECO-ENTREPRENEUR GET A BUSINESS LOAN-contact Alabama Farm Credit

149) CREATE AND CO-WORK A COMMUNITY VEGETABLE GARDEN-explore The American Community Garden Association and your county's Extension Office

150) ALABAMA IS FOR THE BIRDS-help assure birds have water and food (seed and suet) in the winter

151) REPORT ANY ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS-call your county authorities to investigate freshwater froth or sewage stench

152) START TODAY BY BUYING RECYCLED PAPER COFFEE FILTERS, envelopes, paper towels, toilet tissue, greeting cards

153) RESPONSIBLY CLEAN UP YOUR PET'S WASTE-buy biodegradable scoop-bags or reuse plastic grocery and newspaper bags

154) AVOID "QUICK DELIVERY" SERVICE-plan ahead so companies can make full use of vehicle capacity and save you money

155) DON'T BURN AUTUMN LEAVES use for mulch or give to others for composting

156) REDUCE FARMER SUICIDE, the highest incidence of all American occupations per the Center for Disease Control, by improving rural mental health care

157) BUY FRUIT JUICES IN LARGE CONTAINERS-an average household of four drinks 45 gallons of orange juice a year; reduce packaging waste

158) CHOOSE HOUSING AS CLOSE TO YOUR WORK AS POSSIBLE-Commute Less. Relax More.

159) ASK ALAGASCO, ALABAMA POWER, YOUR ENERGY COMPANY for a home-energy audit to help you use less and pay less

160) VIDEOCONFERENCE, TELECOMMUTE-use readily available, energy-saving, Alabama technology

161) DON'T FALL ASLEEP WATCHING TELEVISION and use "Sleep Timer" to turn off gadgets if this is a pattern

162) HOST AN ANNUAL, COMMUNITY "GREEN FOLKS" NETWORKING EVENT to welcome newcomers and new eco-converts each year

163) CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS SOURCE IN ALABAMA-good business opportunity to compete with online suppliers

164) GET YOUR TOWN TO ADOPT LEED-Certified Standards for Existing Buildings; saves environmentally now and economically long-term

165) SUPPORT ALABAMA TOURISM EFFORTS THAT RESPECT FRAGILE HABITATS

166) GET ALABAMA RUNNERS/JOGGERS/WALKERS TO DONATE WORN ATHLETIC SHOES to become safe, playground surfaces

167) BUY COOKING OIL IN RECYCLABLE GLASS BOTTLES

168) DRINK ALABAMA SLAKINGLY GOOD, RIGOROUSLY CHECKED TAP WATER, it's 10,000 times cheaper than bottled water

169) BUY RETREADED TRUCK/CAR TIRES which use 1/2 the energy as making new tires

170) CLEAN YOUR LINT TRAP and DON'T OVERLOAD YOUR CLOTHES DRYER-for more energy savings check www.alabamapower.com and www.alagasco.com and your energy supplier

171) DONATE UNUSED ELECTRONICS/CDs/DVDs TO BE RECYCLED INTO NEW, OFFICE PRODUCTS

172) RUN YOUR TRUCK/CAR ON DEEP FAT FRIED CHICKEN OIL-convert your diesel engine, now; U.S. creates 11 billion liters of wasted cooking oil, mostly from deep fat fryers (per EPA)

173) LET KIDS SPLASH IN RECYCLED WATER PARKS-don't waste water on excessive sprinkler play at home

174) RUN YOUR HOME DISHWASHER ONLY WHEN FULL; also, choose water-efficient appliances

175) SWAP SERVICES WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS-cook and deliver them a meal if they weed your garden; this saves community spirit for another century

176) WATER OUTDOOR PLANTS AT SUNDOWN-1/2 less will evaporate; also, don't water if rain is forecasted

177) CREATE A TOY-SHARING LIBRARY IN YOUR COMMUNITY to lessen consumption and increase variety

178) CREATE A TOOL-SHARING LIBRARY IN YOUR COMMUNITY

179) GET YOUR GOLF-PLAYING ELECTED OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT HIGHER TAXES FOR GOLF COURSE WATER AND GRASS CHEMICAL USE

180)  MAKE YOUR OTHER CAR A PAIR OF BOOTS-Share more cars and walk more miles

181) CREATE A HOUSE PAINT EXCHANGE PROGRAM-recycle any unused paint to be used for government housing

182) HOST A "LIGHTS POLLUTION, TURN OFF" NIGHT-have a non-toxic candlelit storytelling evening with an Alabama Bicentennial theme

183) TAKE SHORTER, COUPLES-SHARING SHOWERS-A 5-minute shower takes 15-20 gallons of water, but a standard bathtub holds 70 gallons

184) BOIL ONLY THE WATER YOU NEED MAKING HOT COFFEE AND TEA-put remainder you don't drink immediately in a thermos for later

185) SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE ALABAMA CATFISH FARMING-make certain producers are following standards; eat more, healthy, Alabama omega-3 fish

186) START A JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM in your local schools

187) RETIRED? BECOME AN ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSROOM MENTOR AND/OR ACTIVIST

188) SUPPORT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN ALABAMA-average family spends 16 percent of budget on vehicle-related costs

189) CUT BACK ON PAPER USE by opting for scrap paper rather than notepads and recycling shipping boxes

190) RECYCLE YOUR CAR/TRUCK BATTERY-contact Alabama Department of Transportation to know where to recycle batteries and other auto parts

191) LET IN A SOME FRESH, ALABAMA AIR in home and workplace regularly by opening windows and doors; 80 percent of 21st Century Alabama lives are spent indoors

192) MAKE EVERY ALABAMA COMMUNITY A "NO KILL" ZONE FOR PETS-spay and neuter; make certain exotic pets are appropriate purchases

193) DON'T SUPPORT "NO SPORT" GAME HUNTING IN ALABAMA

194) DON'T DRINK FOOD-COLORING GREEN BEER ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY-try a local, craft brew like Goat Island or Good People

195) PHASE OUT INCANDESCENT BULBS by replacing with LED or compact fluorescents

196) SUPPORT THE REVIVAL OF ORGANIC, ALABAMA COTTON FARMING-buy organic cotton clothes and fabrics

197) USE LESS CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP AND MORE IMAGINATION

198) GET CHEAPER INSURANCE WITH A HYBRID CAR

199) SAVE ALABAMA'S NATURAL LIFE AND CIVIL LIFE-stand up for human respect, appreciation, understanding and cooperation

200) BELIEVE YOU CAN MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TODAY FOR ALABAMA'S NEXT 200 YEARS

Ben Johnson South, Alabama master gardener and author of “The Reluctant Topiary”