Chelsea Flower Show wilts in recession

The recession has led to a third of exhibitors at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show having to drop out.

Although organisers still expect crowds of around 158,000, the show will be weakened by the loss of some of its main exhibitors – one of whom being Geoff Whiten.

The veteran has 33 Chelsea Flower Shows under his belt and was going for a record 34th this year before finances ground him to a halt, according to Horticulture Week.

"The RHS gave me extra time to find a sponsor because they wanted to preserve my record run of 34 consecutive years but I couldnt find anyone," he lamented to the news provider.

"Thats what really gets me – that I cant keep the record up. It came as a bolt out of the blue.

"The recession has bit hard. But I dont blame them for pulling out with the recession on."

Just one of the shows gardening centre exhibitors has plans to attend and the show will lack some of its pizzazz as a result.

Gardeners keen on picking up horticultural tips should consider getting down to RHS Kew Gardens.

The Princess of Wales Greenhouse is currently housing a tropical flower display.