Super Grass-"Human Shrub" Strikes Again
Updated : Jul 9, 2009
A costumed hero has taken on a cost-cutting council in a battle to make his Essex home town look its best.
The 'Human Shrub' first struck in Colchester when he planted himself outside the town hall to protest at a plan to turf over rose beds, reports the Daily Mail.
And now he has grabbed his trusty trowel and has taken on the task of removing weeds from the historic town's 200 planter tubs and replacing them with flowers.
"Shrub is back and I am planning more work," he declared. "We must stop Colchester's politicians spoiling this town and putting future generations of my friends, the bees, at risk."
Like all super heroes, he keeps his true identity a secret. All that is publicly known is what he says on Facebook where he describes himself as 39, 'apolitical' and a member of the Michaela Strachan Appreciation Society.
Gossip mongers had pointed the finger at Darius Laws, a defeated Conservative candidate for Colchester in the recent council elections, who had vowed 'no shrubs will be damaged' if he was elected.
But Mr Laws, 27, a broadcast producer and hobby gardener, insisted: "I'm a serious politician and would never dress up as a superhero.
"I know who the Human Shrub is. He is not a politician, he is an eco-activist and he doesn't want to be unmasked. I spoke to him this morning and he is loving it that people are taking note of his work."
Martin Hunt, a councillor with responsibility for parks and gardens, said: "The Human Shrub was quite amusing at first, but I think he's a bit potty if he thinks he can do all 200 planters.
"He's also a bit misguided as we are replanting the planters next month - the proper time. I've no idea who he is. I could go up to him and tear all his shrubbery off to find out but I might be arrested for assaulting a bush."
VeryHappyPig never thought there would be a super hero gardener. But we love the idea of taking positive action.
