Chelsea flower show 2013 – in pictures

Final cleaning and preparation of the M&G Centenary Garden, designed and created by Roger Platts
Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

The Great Pavilion nursery Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

A visitor photographs a floral display Photograph: Stefan Wermuth/Reuters

Cascading flowers during media day Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

Garden gnomes, one of which was decorated by Elton John. For the first time the Royal Horticultural Society has lifted its customary ban on gnomes at the Chelsea Flower Show to celebrate its centenary year and raise funds for the next generation of gardeners Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

Continuing the theme, two men dress up as gnomes Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA

Protea South African flowering plants Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

Visitor Sue Brown looks at a stand in full bloom Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Some unusual characters feature in the show… Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

Bright tulips form part of a colourful display Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

Joanna Lumley poses for pictures at the M&S flower stall Photograph: ANDY RAIN/EPA

Prince Charles, accompanied by Camilla and Prince Harry, pays a visit to the Sentebale Forget-Me-Not Garden Photograph: WPA Pool/Getty Images

More beautiful flowers, which is what it's all about Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian