7 FEBRUARY 1998, Page 26

Sir: David Welch's Diary was read with much enjoyment, but

could he confirm the patron saint of gardeners? All my life I have been an enthusiastic garden- and nature-lover and, as a child, was told that St Dorothea was the patron saint of gardeners — her Day being 6 February, which is also the first day of spring. Robin Hood (before television) was my hero.

The local pub where I was born was called the Royal Oak, so I, too, learnt about Oak Apple Day. There are great oak trees at the bottom of my garden, and too many nettles in my garden — but they make good soup!

J. Pound

Karenza, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth