May 12, 2013Dear Sir,As an avid gardener around this time of year a leisurely stroll through the Botanical Gardens is usually a most enjoyable experience.The Gardens with their flower beds brimming with colour and bees buzzing around collecting their pollen are a wonder to see. Trees and shrubs neatly trimmed, some with their names on little signs telling us what they are. The sounds of edgers, trimmers and even blowers all contributing to the Gardens’ well being. Parks staff turning the soils, as they add enrichment products, or just pick out the weeds. Birds chirping or gathering grasses as they build their nests for their soon expected. New plants going in and some expired being removed. Rose bushes full of blooms and lilies and gladioli popping up so we can see. The Gardens a hive of activity, all contributing to make my walk a pleasure.Unfortunately, this past week my fond memories were shattered. As I strolled through the Gardens, I found my pace was quickening. There were no attentive staff doing their usual wonderful work to keep the grounds in good condition.No sounds of buzzing equipment or sights of freshly turned soil. Instead, flower beds filled with weeds and grasses no longer graced with colour. Walkways not edged, trees begging to be trimmed and pruned. Soils asking for nutrients and an absence of insects doing their thing. The Gardens looking wounded, crying out for help. My pace was almost to a jog as I quickly exited.Can we do something to restore these once beautiful Gardens? It is the least they deserve, for what they have given to us.CHANGERSandys