The Queen, a keen gardener herself, was among visitors to the show during a special preview on Monday. The show opens to the public on Tuesday 21 May.

Here is a snapshot of this year's colourful displays.

Chelsea at Chelsea. Bill Clinton's daughter takes a tour

Prince Charles in the Healing Garden he helped create for the show, which he dedicated to his grandmother

Another keen gardener, the Queen has only missed one Chelsea Flower Show in 50 years

00-Heaven. Bond actor Pierce Brosnan and wife Keely Shaye-Smith among the blooms

Sir Cliff Richard is a big fan of the RHS event

Pretty in pink. Designer Laurence Llewelyn Bowen and his wife, Jackie

Queen for a day. Gloria Hunniford and Queen Elizabeth I impersonator visit the Help The Aged Golden Garden

Getting away from it all in a Celtic sanctuary

Oxford University student Emile Goodhall checks the delphiniums

Beautiful blooms are what draw the crowds