Other than the choice of border (some sort of horrible concrete looking brick?), I don't see the issue with plantings. Yes, it costs money, but additional plantings if done right can add texture and colour to a course. It sure beats looking at a gorse bush. The one aspect which is troubling is how does one play from these areas? I don't agree with a free drop nor an automatic penalty drop. If the green keepers don't mind these areas being abused once in a while, there isn't an issue. Otherwise, the playing of the game takes precedence and if plantings are sacred, then I have an issue with them. That really means the only good areas for the above type of plantings are near tees unless the course has long green to tee transitions - in which case I would be all for plantings, statue gardens, naked women, coffee shops, bars, anything to relieve the boredom of a bad layout.
Ciao