'Even Elton John painted a gnome'

The strict ban on ornamental figures populating gardens at Chelsea Flower Show has been lifted, for one year only.

The rule has been lifted to mark the centenary year and to raise money to involve young people in horticulture.

They have been painted by a string of celebrities and will be auctioned on eBay for the RHS Campaign for School Gardening.

Jekka McVicar, council member of the RHS and head of floral judging, told the Today programme's Evan Davis that, "I really just want to get over the fun element of gardening".

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday 20 May 2013.