h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I require roses. You don't need to know why... (ok, I'll tell you if you *need* to know, but it's not relevent.)
There are plenty of roses in town; not in a garden, but growing up the side of MFI. There are tons of them- big wild ones (rather than carefully-cultivated expensive 'hybrid floribundas' etc.) and they last for *months.* Bloody ages.
So anyway, I need these roses; would it be so wrong, and frowned up on, and would result in a severe talking-to? I will not be stripping the bush (hmm... rude...?) or anything, just removing those petals about to drop off (although not dead). Buds will be spared. And it's only me, and how much harm can I do?

so...

I used to dig up wildflowers to plant in my yard. I'd find them along the highway. I don't think there is anything wrong with you picking a few roses. On the other hand, it might be illegal where you are. If that's the case, be careful. Cutting roses actually improves the health of the bushes. You'd be doing the rose bush a favor. And encouraging more blooms for everyone else to enjoy.

It's stealing, however good and honourable your intentions. Why not ask MFI if you can deadhead for them? A company was clearing opposite my house two weeks ago in order to make a smarter path to the garage. I asked if I could have cuttings and was given three whole plants AND two large terracotta flower pots. As you're much younger and more attractive than I am, a similar request should be a piece of cake

Well...you may find this morbid but...
In the USA cemeteries do not allow flowers to stay for long periods or certain periods of time. If they are not removed when specified, then they are all just tossed in a large pile. You could ask.
Also a way to get free soil.
Nothing really morbid or disrespectful in my opinion...thought about it but never done either of these as I don't have the time.

How the heck is it stealing??? That's like saying walking into the countryside and doing it is stealing. I really doubt MFI will miss a few roses.

Do it. I would.

"Walking into the countryside and doing it" IS stealing. If you're picking up something rare and get caught you're liable for an enormous fine. eg it is illegal to pick bluebells. Who owns the land you're taking flowers from? It's their property just as if you took flowers from someone's garden. If it's a park (or cemetery!) you're stealing from the public. Sure, it's a very small theft, but it's still theft - just as taking stationery home from the office is. It's up to you to decide how tacky you'll feel if you get caught.

"just as taking stationery home from the office is"



*hides various staplers, post-it's and pens*

Seriously though, although it's stealing (and I agree that it is - if only technically) if you're the sort of person who has no qualms in lifting a pad of post-it notes from the office cupboard to have by your phone at home, then you shouldn't have to ask the question in the first place. Personally I'd say if you're happy to do it - do it, if you're gonna have a conscience attack - ask 'em first.

but then I walk upon the public ground and steal the air from which I live, no choice can be made, but theft is still is.

-- DoctorMO --

I guess we have permission to do that (poetic though stealing it sounds) - at the very least implicitly, and probably in some countries with very formal consitutions *explicitly*.

I'd say it would be a good idea to ask MFI - unless you're literally only going to take one or two - because if somebody else saw you doing it, and did it too, and then lots of people did... You could end up with a rather bare rosebush, which no-one actually wants to happen. If you ask, your conscience is clear, and if somebody's watching you you can tell them you've got specific permission and so forth.

Well, that's my anyways...

It's not stealing I have the problem with...

Flowers are much more beautiful when *living* - so just let them grow, roses or not roses makes no difference.

If they are growing on someone's land, then they belong to that person/company, even if they are growing as a weed.

Technically it is stealing. So you hae a number of courses open to you:

1.Ask the MFI manager, He/She will alomost certainly say yes and the probelm goes away. If he/she says No though 2 becomes a toughie.

2.Take them anyway, almost certainly no-one will care and evenif they do a nice smile will probably defuse the situation.

3.Go without. The least attractive option and if youreally "need" them...

I'd go for 2 myself, but I'd probablywait till the shop is closed.

What is MFI? When I read that in the first post I thought it was a hillside or natural area. I agree that it's better to ask if they are growing on a building of some kind.

It is a chain of furniture stores here in the UK. Sells mainly fitted kitchens, bedrooms... constantly advertising sales... spotty assistants who are no help at all.

Made
For
Idiots



Although I do have some MFI furniture in my son's room, before I get lynched.

Old joke from my fave radio series...

Tim: I have got a confession. I used to work for M15
Mike: Christ! Really? What department?
Tim: Bedding.
Mike: I think you mean MFI, Tim.
Tim: oh... what did I say?

Well it makes me laugh.

You do realise those roses are probably the only thing holding that side of the building up?

I've seen them build 'em, they use the same method and glue as for the flat pack stuff!

They're supposed to be merging with Tesco. I thought they already had. I bought a chicken last week and the leg fell off.

You'll know when you walk into the supermarket and the walls have a big A, B C or D labelled on them

Wait.

"stealing from the public"

?

Does anyone else not see how weird that phrase is?