FOOD : Salad Alive!

IT’S REALLY A SALAD growing in a basket: eight fancy lettuces--reds, pinks, all shades of green, ruffled, frilled, romaine--each full-grown and anchored in soil in a handsome plastic container. No transplanting is necessary. Simply take an International Salad Bar home (about $10), put it in good light, water it occasionally and harvest the leaves for dinner. Or lunch. New leaves grow back, guaranteeing fresh greenery on the table for weeks.

Vista Verde Growers flowers, herbs and baskets are available in Pavilions stores in Los Angeles county, Lucky Markets in San Diego county and independent markets throughout the Southland; for information, telephone Vista Verde Growers, (619) 728-3874.