Mention guerrillas these days and more people are apt to think of Subcommandante Marcos or the Maoists of the Shining Path. But perhaps one day the first things they think of will be sunflowers, marigolds, and petunias.

Guerrillas in Los Angeles have been hiding under cover of darkness to sneak onto public property and plant gardens. Their targets generally include neglected areas such as off-ramps and the like. They're hardly alone: The guerrilla gardening movement, which began in London, is worldwide (go to guerrillagardening.org for more information.)

The rationale is the same as that behind other guerrilla movements: Working within the existing power structure has failed. In this instance, the guerrillas find it too difficult to get permission to beautify neglected public spaces, so they simply skip the permitting process and go right to direct action.

Compared to most other guerrilla efforts, it's a delightful change. Long live the revolution!