The Homeland Security Annuals Budget
What looks better with sandbags--marigolds or bluebonnets? A privied look at how the decisions are made on what to plant and where, and ways to beautify a bollard.
SECURITY PLANTERS
All D.C.-Area Government Buildings
Pansies, assorted: $6,0001
Petunias, assorted: $6,000
Marigolds, “Safari” mix: $7,000
Pentagon Special Order
Zinnias, “Profusion Orange” (no yellow): $4,500
Hosta, “La Vista” mix: $3,500
Justice Department Special Order
Remove gloriosa daisies: $500
Plant snapdragons: $5,000
White House Special Order
Euthanasia2: $10,000
Supreme Court Special Order
Remove honesty: Market Price
Plant mock orange: $10,000
Texas and Kentucky Courthouses
Jack-in-the-pulpit: $200,000
FIXED BOLLARDS3
Skirts of fern: $5,000
HEDGES
American boxwood: $60,0004
RAISED BANKS
Periwinkle and ivy5: $6,000
SANDBAGS
Dune grass?
Bamboo?
MULCH & COMPOST
Ship from Afghanistan
1 In tens of thousands.
2 Possibly “Echinacea”? But this is a perennial. Check with Laura.
3 No planting around removable bollards.
4 High cost reflects shortage since Atlanta Olympics. Possible alternative: Order English boxwood from U.K. Publicity angle: “Coalition Hedges.”
5 Natural black widow habitat. Increase population as additional security measure? Ask Gonzales.