It's the plants, stupid

I WON my first prize for gardening when I was nine years old at prep school. My grandmother was delighted-it was she who had sent me the seeds of godetia, eschscholtzia and Virginia stock that secured my victory.

- Charles Quest-Ritson

Gardening continued to absorb me through the years of school, university and devilling in London. Yes, I know it-some people are boring right from their earliest youth.

Any young man who is keen on gardening and knowledgeable about plants quickly attracts a fan club of elderly ladies. Such, at least, was my experience in the 1970s. It did not end when I got married.

As soon as the announcement of our engagement appeared in The Times nearly 50 years ago, the letters of congratulation in those pre-digital days all had the same question for me-does she like gardening? The answer was 'Yes'and, what's more, she likes roses.

It took me a while to understand why young plant lovers are so popular with experienced gardeners who have a lifetime of achievement behind them— the oldies want to pass on the torch. Horticulture in all its forms has given them much pleasure and they want to share their best plants, their books and their experience. Their generosity to the young is sometimes overwhelming, but such is their kindness that it is difficult to say 'No' to whatever one is offered.