I, too, am saddened to hear about and see the wanton destruction of the containers our Ballard merchants' have purchased and planted in an attempt to improve the attractiveness of Market Street. As a professional landscaper who specializes in the design and installation of container plantings, I have a few suggestions that may be helpful.

1. The smaller the planter, the easier it is to kick or tip over. Because most containers are narrower at the base than at the top, they are poised for tipping. A small planter that has a pedestal at the bottom (like Romanza's) is also easy to tip. One way to foil vandals is to select larger, heavier containers or larger box-shaped containers. The containers should always be full of a good quality potting soil, not half-filled with any lighter material.

2. In addition to choosing different shapes, consider using non-breakable materials like wood or molded polyethylene containers. Molded polyethylene containers are becoming more readily available in more styles and are also becoming more attractive and "real" looking. These containers are unbreakable and can be bolted directly onto the surface upon which they sit. Clever planting can make them look even more real. Once again, larger is better.

3. If your lease allows, bolting a strong, appropriate hanger to the front of your building and using hanging baskets can be very attractive, although watering is a bit more challenging. And again, think big.

4. Always report any vandalism you experience or see to the police, even if you think the police "won't do anything." The police look at the number of incidents being reported from a particular area when deciding where patrols should be concentrated. Our community police officer at the North Precinct is Officer Lawrence Jackson. His telephone number is (206) 684-4739 and his email address is lawrence.jackson@seattle.gov

If someone is really out to destroy something they probably will succeed. However, there are ways to make it more difficult. In addition, we, as a community, should watch out for our neighbors and help keep Ballard safe for everyone. It's not just the problem of these few business owners. It's your problem, too.

Toni Cross

Ballard