Queen opens Chelsea flower show

The Queen has formally opened the 86th annual Chelsea Flower Show in west London.

Seen by horticulturalists around the world as the quintessential event in the gardening calendar, the show is expected to attract in excess of 150,000 visitors.

Her majesty was joined by a number of celebrities including radio DJ Chris Tarrant and ex-Beatles member Ringo Starr during the ceremony.

The flower show officially opens its doors to the public today (May 20th) and will accept visitors until Saturday (May 24th).

Speaking to the BBC, Chelsea resident and actress Felicity Kendal commented: "It has become bigger and more impressive. It is like window shopping, very inspirational and traditional."

This year's displays feature over 600 exhibitors, including ones from as far away from Sweden, Barbados, Sri Lanka, France and Trinidad & Tobago.

The flower show has also been accredited with driving up the value of property for sale in Kensington & Chelsea, one of London's most exclusive boroughs.

News posted on 20th May, 2008