TWO weeks ago I visited Focus at London Road, Devizes and noticed in the outdoor area for plants three shrubs.

They had blown over and the peat around the roots was missing, exposing the roots to the cold spring winds.

In my opinion they would have been damaged beyond repair within the next hour or so.

I asked the young manager, aged about 20, if I could have them half price after explaining the reason.

But he was only prepared to reduce the price by 20 per cent and said the gardener would repot them on Monday.

Is it not misleading selling bare root plants covered with peat, covering up the damaged roots? Then when the leaves fall off after a week the purchaser would get the blame. I was willing to pay half price to save the shrubs.

On writing my address it occurred to me that it would be a great help to homeowners if the gardeners in the area joined the Institute of Horticulture.

To become a member it is necessary to have been a gardener for five years then you are entitled to add the A I Hort after your name (Associate of Institute of Horticulture).

There is a subscription of £50 a year but I feel it is worth it to show people you know something about gardening.

P LITTLE (A I Hort)

Bratton Avenue

Devizes