Tom said to himself that it was not such a hollow world, after all. He had discovered a great law of human action, without knowing it – namely, that in order to make a man or a boy covet a thing, it is only necessary to make the thing difficult to attain.

So, let’s say you are building a light rail station. And let’s say you are shutting down several city blocks to do it — city blocks still covered with city block stuff like buildings, parking lots and, yes, even some bushes and trees. What to do about that pesky shrubbery!

Sound Transit has an idea that would make Tom Sawyer proud — they’re asking you to rip it up. Gently. Saturday Aug. 23rd from 9a to 11a, Sound Transit is inviting neighbors to stop by the light rail station construction zone, do a little digging and take a few plants home. They’re calling it the Capitol Hill Station Site Community Plant Salvage Event:

There are a very limited number of smaller plants and shrubs available for salvage. Plants will be available on a first come first serve basis. Upon arrival, participants will be required to sign a Sound Transit liability release form. Once release forms have been signed and collected, three tickets will be provided to each participant.

ST also says to bring your own shovels and pots to take your new shrubbery home. Meet at the parking lot on West side of 10th Ave E just South of E. John St.