Though not a fan or supporter of her husband, could one help but respect and admire “Ladybird” Johnson for her early efforts to improve our environment and her lasting (??) legacy to the generations following her?  I rememberd when she became the power behind the “beautification” process of this land with so much natural beauty and wealth. The disappearance of garish billboards, for instance.  Part of Americana, perhaps, but did nothing to enhance the natural scenery as one drove across country.  Since I was in and out of the country for years at a time, I didn’t see gradual change. I’d leave for two, three or more years and upon my return it was startling…in the best possible meaning of the word…to see more and more of our habitats, glades, fields, not blocked by huge signs advertising everything from shaving cream to sun lotions to motels and diners.

Even more astounding…no, breathtaking…was the riot of colours along highways and interstates when the wildflowers bloomed.  First place I noticed it was when I returned to live in Maryland.  Foolish me, I thought every major median might…or would…bless our tiresome travels with poppies, coreopsis and every other wildflower (weeds, to some) indigenous to either State or country in general.  Not always, though.  What happened to this portion of the First State?  I have it on very good authority that up north, around the State line, medians were or are being “beautified”. Then again, down here we have jersey barriers or concrete paved medians, no floral tributes to the growing season.  And, more and more not matter where one travels, the billboard are creeping back up…more a tribute to materialism than nature.  One just has to Look at Rte. 1…particularly from Five Points to/from the beaches.  Somehow I’d think the many establishments lining the north and south lanes would speak for themselves but I guess not.  And to add insult to injury, rolling neon signs are adding to the clutter and garishness.  Such a pity.

Ms. Johnson didn’t just plant seeds in the fertile ground but in the soul…she was in the forefront of environmental improvement years ahead of other’s time.   But I guess boredom…or profits…supercede a pleasant, peaceful landscape.  All is not lost, however.  Maybe when you’re thinking about next year’s plantings you’ll take a look at the many wildflowers indigenous to our State and consider planting at least a few.  They are easier to grow, hardier during our variable weather conditions…perhaps because they “belong”.  Some may tell you “they are just weeds”…wouldn’t you think, though, that the only difference between a “weed” and a “flower” is perception?  By the way, I wonder how often any of us actually depend upon billboards to decide where we want to eat, sleep or shop?

Sure would be a shame for Ladybird Johnson’s legacy to die with her.   

   

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 18th, 2007 at 12:21 am and is filed under Democrats, National Politics, Uncategorized, Women. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.