I have always admired those plants which thrive in urban areas with no help from us. In fact, we wage war against them. I am, of course, referring to weeds.

I am so fond of them that I lead several walks each year solely for the purpose of finding them, identifying them and admiring them.

While out for a walk recently, I came across a property which is FULL of weeds.

So much so, that the City has taped a notice on the front window of this dwelling which appears to be abandoned.

That seems to be the official definition of an objectionable weed: “in excess of 20 centimeters”.

Many of the standard “weedy plants” are thriving here.

A couple of plants remain from the days when a gardener kept an eye on this place. They must be wondering what has happened to the neighbourhood.

and another was a surprise: a soon-to-be-flowering New England Aster

Miles Hearn