ANYONE BEEN TO WISLEY LATELY?

I went last Saturday - along with half the population of Southern England with a spattering of foreigners - there were many disappointments.

The standard of gardening at what must be regarded as UK Gardening HQ left much to be desired - three week and older weeds visible everywhere, many areas showing signs of stress from too many visitors etc., etc. Some of this lamentable fall can be laid at the door of the designers of the recent "additions" - why the hell all the gravel and shingle paths in areas of heavy footfall? You could have two guys on brooms full time and still not keep up with the public kicking habits.

I sense that moves are afoot to turn the place into a kind of theme park.

I even question the new laboratory - its brutal architecture now under construction at vast expense - what's that all about, trying to out Kew Kew?

Interested to know what you think.