The Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Chelsea Flower show is always a highlight of the gardening calendar and this year was no exception.
Best show garden was won by the Laurent-Perrier garden, which was designed by Luciano Giubbilei. The designer combined natural elements with a simple, geometric layout in an attempt to "stimulate the enjoyment of observation".
The BBC/RHS people's choice award went to Matt Keightley for his 'Hope on the Horizon' garden. The contemplative space he created symbolised the process injured servicemen and women go through on the road to recovery.
Beginning with a rough, uneven section, the garden evolved to a more orderly space and ended with a sculpture of a horizon, symbolising the possibility of a bright future ahead.
The best artisan garden award went to Kazuyuki Ishihara for Togenkyo – A Paradise on Earth. This was inspired by a legendary place where people can go to forget their troubles – but are only able to visit once.
It was designed in order to leave an image in the memory of visitors, enabling them to recall the garden to comfort them in times of hardship.
There was also a garden, From Moors to the Sea, that celebrated 50 years of the RHS's Britain in Bloom as well as Alan Titchmarsh's 50 years in gardening.
A chronicle of the famous gardener's life, the garden showcased the different varieties of plant that are found at locations throughout the UK, from the North York Moors to the seaside.
The Great Spring Show was first held in 1862 at the RHS garden in Kensington. In 1888, the show was moved to the heart of London, with the Temple Gardens chosen as the venue.
In 1913, the Great Spring Show was moved to the grounds of the Royal Hospital in Chelsea and has remained there ever since.
A celebratory flower show was held in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the popularity of the Chelsea Flower Show has increased ever since. It now attracts 157,000 visitors a year.
