A blooming disaster for Chelsea show

Last updated at 00:52 08 May 2007


Top designers taking part in the Chelsea Flower Show say the hot weather is ruining their displays.

The show gardens, which can cost up to £250,000 each, are planned months ahead of the Royal Horticulture Society's annual showpiece, which starts on May 22.

But record spring temperatures have seen many plants grown for the event dying early.

Plants such as irises, lilacs and wisteria are all flowering weeks earlier than normal.

Many designers, who have already submitted plans to judges, fear they may not be able to deliver.

Jinny Blom, who is tipped to win the Best Show Garden award for her A Moment of Reflection display, said: "Chelsea is our Oscars - you know the eyes of the world are on you.

"I've been preparing since August last year but this hot weather has thrown everything. It's been an absolute catastrophe.

"I hope the judges take into account we've had the hottest April since records began when they see that certain plants aren't there."

But Bob Sweet, organiser of the show, said he was sure designers would come up trumps.

"Throughout the show's history, exhibitors have had to deal with many weather conditions," he said.

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