• HERE are two suggestions towards Camden’s bid to be appointed the London Borough of Culture.

One is the regular service of “Barnaby the Bookseller” at Swiss Cottage Market. He has a very good stock of paperbacks and is highly knowledgeable and friendly.

I do not think there are many boroughs lucky enough to have such a stall in what is a dwindling market. He is there on most Fridays and Saturdays.

Second is the spread of what are oddly called “guerrilla gardens” – nurtured by local residents and usually around the base of trees growing along the pavement.

Some while ago I recall a splendid display of hollyhocks grown in Albert Street. More recently I have admired the efforts in Ryland Road which have had magnificent irises as well as hollyhocks. Another set of such displays is in Belsize Crescent.

I have not made a total search of Camden’s roads, going where my cycle leads me, but these are tremendously welcome examples of inventive and decorative work well worth recognising in the borough. They exemplify horticulture and deserve encouragement!

MALLORY WOBER
Lancaster Grove, NW3