BETWEEN TWO FERNS AT WESTWOOD SHOPPING CENTER IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

After a recent round of safety upgrades, new Westwood Shopping Center landlord Equity One has now taken a more aesthetic step: placing large potted plants on the sidewalk in front of the strip mall's shops. Whether it is an improvement or not depends on individual opinion, I suppose. The fact that they are just pots, instead of actual landscaping, tends to scream "temporary." Or invoke memories of a younger Gavin Rossdale's loft apartment, where artworks were just propped up against the walls, rather than formally hung on them.

From a more-practical safety standpoint, the plants make the once-ample sidewalks more crowded, are a tripping hazard, and block views of pedestrians and vehicles for drivers exiting the bank drive-thru. One plant you can't miss - the giant one placed right behind the shopping center's tall sign on Westbard Avenue.

Down on River Road, at sister property Westwood Center II, Equity One has doubled-down on its recent endorsement of Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Floreen (D-At Large). Two small Floreen lawn signs have now been replaced with a massive, roadside Floreen billboard.

Is there someone behind that fern?

Yes, there is! It's the Playmobile
guy in the window of
Anglo Dutch Pool and Toys

Note the improved lighting
along this wing after
closing hours at night