A RETIRED Salisbury couple have taken advantage of a roadside verge to recycle some unused plants.

Margaret and Alf Stapleton have lived on Rampart Road for almost 40 years, and have become accustomed to the noise of busy traffic on the nearby ring-road, Churchill Way East, but not the view.

As passionate gardeners, they are often found in their garden, but they were pained to discover that having an abundance of plants and flowers meant that some would have to be thrown away.

Loathe to dispose of them, the couple decided to recycle their plants and, once they had eyed up the empty space on the roadside, their decision was made.

“The verge was so scrappy and overgrown, so we just thought to ourselves, let’s use the free space.

“The first time was around three to four years ago, and it has just become standard to do it really.”

Unfortunately for the pair, council workers came and strimmed the whole of the verge, including the plants.

Disheartened but undeterred, they then re-planted more of the plants and flowers, and are determined to continue this process each year.

Alf said: “This is something that we will keep on doing, as it really makes the road look nicer. It was a shame that the council came down and strimmed everywhere, but we will continue to replant and repot every year.”

On occasions, Alf and Margaret have been hard at work, only to be stopped when cars slow down, and drivers applaud their efforts.

One driver even appreciated the plants to such an extent that he offered to buy some of them.

Another driver wound down his window and shouted out “Great job, Mrs”.

Alf is happy that their work is being noticed, but the couple maintain that it is for the love of gardening.

“We’ve got so used to gardening the verge and when so many people say thank you, it makes us want to carry on. The flowers brighten up the landscape and it’s creative, so we will be doing this again and again, and what’s more is that the neighbours love it.”

Margaret added: “For the last 18 months I’ve received nothing but compliments. People love it, and so do I.”

Wiltshire Council said: “We will always support activities such as this where we can, however anyone who wishes to carry out work on the highway should contact the council for approval.”