19 MAY 1928, Page 17

THE NATIONAL GARDENS GUILD To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

Sm,—The interest in town-planning and in gardening are very closely connected, and I think that some of your readers may like to hear of an organization which helps to unite them I mean the National Gardens Guild.

• 4- The Society began about twenty years ago as the London Gardens Guild, but the War delayed its growth, and it was only this year, when Her Majesty the Queen graciously became its President, that the Society was definitely launched with branches all over the British Isles.

Its objects are to brighten our towns and cities and to encourage individuals in the love of flowers and gardening. There are now over sixty local branches in London, and the manufacturing towns in the North have opened affiliated branches, as well as cities in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

An excellent monthly journal is published, besides leaflets on special subjects, and members receive free advice in all garden difficulties. -

Flower shows have been held in the Temple Gardens, and one is being arranged .for in September at. Lord's Cricket

Ground. Schools are encouraged to join, and Lord Eustaco Percy has kindly promised the help of the Board of Education. Special effort is devoted to window-box gardening in the

poorer streets of our large towns, and seeds and plants are distributect`free, and competitions Are held and prizes given. Subscription varies-from Ss. upwards, and full particulars will be sent on application to the Secretary, National Gardens Guild,' 9 Gower Street,- Bedford Square, W.C. I.—I 'am,

[We should like to hear of the establishment of strong branehes of this excellent movement in every town in England to brighten the drabness of our induistrialism.—En. Spectator.]