SURPLUS PLANTS
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I was much interested in the letter of your correspondent, G. Bell, in your issue dated July 20th, and am glad to learn that it is meeting with a good response.
About three years ago when I was judging window boxes and small gardens in the poorer districts of London, I made a similar suggestion to the association organizing the com- petition. I did not receive much encouragement, as the Secretary's view was that it was better for the people to
make their effort unaided, partly, I think, in view of the prize award. I was, however, more interested in the flower growing than in the competition, and still feel that any outside assistance is best in the form of really helpful advice, and gifts of suitable plants or seeds such as any gardener gives to another. Competitions might follow, but should surely be got up in each district among the competitors themselves. I say this with no wish to decry the excellent work done by various kindred societies.
Following up my own scheme, I succeeded in getting a basket of plants delivered in Bethnal Green, to be distributed among the school children who have plots in an old church- yard. I know these were most gratefully received. I have judged these particular gardens for three years in succession, and from the very difficult and unpromising start, in poor soil and bad aspect, they show each year an advance, in tidiness, general success in effect, and care in cultivation—all most gratifying to the organizer, the children themselves, and no doubt to the neighbours, who have a share in the result from their windows.
I imagine the real difficulty in connexion with the sending of plants lies in synchronizing the arrival of the gift and distribution among a number of recipients, but a little organiza- tion would well repay any trouble, and this would be simplified if in each case individuals only were concerned, as your correspondent suggests. I wish the scheme every possible success.—I am, Sir, &c.,
(Miss) V. N. SULLY. Stralhlea, Harrogate, Yorkshire.
[In response to Mr. Bell's original letter and our Editorial Note, we have received, and arc still receiving very generous offers from our readers—whom we heartily thank—both of plants and of help in their distribution to poor districts. We shall be glad to hear of any further helpers, who will be put into touch in such a way as to obviate, as far as possible, the difficulty mentioned by our correspondent. —En. Spectator.]
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