While your exact reaction to cut it all down is my first as well, i have found myself attempting to be a better person and to use kindness where a younger me would have met them at their same level of vitriol and beaten them with experience. I attempt (poorly) to imitate Christ because I am a Christian, but even outside of religion, we can all aspire to be a better version of ourselves. If you know these people, take them a basket of fruit, explain to them that you didn't mean to come off the way you did, but that you had been putting plenty of effort into saving those plants and helping them thrive, with the hope of enjoying some of the fruits of your labor. They may take it and you might make closer friends, or they may slam the door in your face, Either way, you've done more than your fair share to be kind to them, whether they deserve it or not. I'm not familiar with the plants you are referring to, but perhaps you can take some cuttings or suckers and start some new bushes, well away from the public right of way, and if things worked out between you and them, maybe start a few for them as well.
