There is no doubt that the Chelsea Flower Show – hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is one of the key events on the national gardening calendar.
However, this year's run will be particularly distinguished, as the gardening charity will be selecting a particular bloom for the ultimate accolade – the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Centenary.
Judges have already selected the ten best plants that were launched at the show since 1913, with one representing each decade.
The final vote will be given to the public, with ballots open at the site or online for those who cannot make it to the event.
Voting has already opened and will remain accessible until noon on May 24th. Details of the winning plant will be unveiled the following day.
Saxifraga – a perennial that is also known as 'Tumbling Waters' – represents the 1913-1922 period and it is characterised by rosettes of silvery foliage.
The plant champion for this specimen is 92-year-old Sergeant Stan Pepper, an ex-paratrooper who joined the armed forces when he was just 17.
Streptocarpus – or 'Harlequin Blue' – is the most recent plant from the 2003-2012 category and it will be championed by eight-year-old Rosie Ghuman of London.
The plant is making its Chelsea debut at this year's run of the event and it has short flower stems with compact leaves.
Rosie selected the Harlequin Blue as it is a very good choice for forgetful people, given that it is not very demanding and does not need too much watering.
RHS historian Brent Elliott, who helped to draw up the shortlist with horticulturalists Peter Seabrook, Bob Sweet, Roy Lancaster, Rachel de Thame, Carol Klein and Colin Crosbie, claimed the task was hard work.
"We've found it difficult," the expert acknowledged, adding: "There were a couple of choices that were obvious, but several were very close."
