Sir, In reply to Mr Dunlop (letter, July 2) I would say that nothing has happened to Chelsea. It has set a lifestyle trend that is now followed by garden centres, catering not only for the gardener of the family, but the non-gardening spouse as well.

I have belonged to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) long enough to remember the extremely erudite magazine called The Garden, to which, with my 40-foot by 60-foot back garden, I could not relate at all.

The current magazine, also The Garden, is brimful of information, covering topics as diverse as dealing with the effects of climate change, new plant introductions, book reviews and aspects of garden history, and, of course, hands-on gardening.

As for specialist nurseries, these are catered for by numerous plant fairs up and down the country and are well supported by gardeners.

Tricia Shaw
London N12

Sir, Gary Dunlop’s letter eloquently confirmed my own feelings about the Royal Horticultural Society and consequently I will not be renewing my long-standing membership.

Joan Greenslade
Canterbury

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