Off with the heads of our flowers

Published: 12 May, 2011

• THE grass-cutting firm which Camden Council uses employ workers who do not appear to think before cutting grass, shrubs or trees, and I wonder if they are trained simply to cut grass or whether they actually care about plants too.

A few weeks ago I was passing by an estate in Greville Road. The sun was shining and it was warm. There were thousands of daisies in the low grass and the children were on half-term holiday. 

Yet amazingly there was a man in a green uniform cutting the grass which did not appear to be in need of mowing.   

There were young children playing nearby but the man lacked the sensitivity to appreciate that daisies are very attractive to children and other people.

On that same estate the daffodils were very late to appear because their tops had been lopped off by the grass-cutters, and when a few appeared later than usual it was obvious that the tops of the earlier daffodils had been cut off at an previous grass-cutting session denying residents the simple beauty of spring flowers which add to the quality of life.   

Grass-cutters used by Camden Council should have some training in gardening and be able to cut grass, shrubs and trees with knowledge about how they grow, flower and enhance our surroundings.

JACKIE IKPA
Address supplied