Spoofs & Satire

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.