DESIGNERS, plant lovers and sculptors across Oxfordshire are gearing up for their gardening Mecca.

The county’s greatest gardeners are pulling together their designs for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show next month.

The world’s most prestigious flower show, in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, is celebrating its centenary.

Some 12 county exhibitors will attend from May 21 to May 25 in the hope of attracting the attentions of some of the 150,000 visitors.

Hook Norton wildlife sculptor Hamish Mackie is putting the finishing touches to his bronze and silver creatures.

The 39-year-old said: “I’m really looking forward to it. “At Chelsea, you see the crème de la crème of the gardening world and watching all the gardens spring up is amazing.

“I went to Africa, so I have been sculpting animals such as leopards and cheetahs, and I also have an amazing life-sized camel from a trip to Dubai.”

North Aston garden designer Liz Nicholson, 46, said: “I am really looking forward to it. “Last year I was there building a garden for someone else so it is great to be able to build my own.

“The garden has a nod to the past in the design, but the material of galvanised metal shows a hint of the future.”

Piers Newth and partner Louise Allen of Little Haseley antique garden tool firm Garden and Wood will also take part.

Mr Newth, 43, said: “We fit right in and are bringing gardening tools which were used 100 years ago and things that relate specifically to the show.”

Sculptor David Goode, 46, of Meadow Lane, East Oxford, said: “I’ll be creating a garden displaying most of my sculptures. I’m doing a centenary piece with a commemorative bronze base.”

Fellow sculptor Tom Stogdon, 49, said: “This year I’ll be producing steel and slate sculptures, one of which is two and a half metres tall. One of my pieces is also going to be in the show gardens.”

David Harber, 54, who specialises in custom-built sundials, garden sculptures and water features, said: “The show is by far the most impressive and prestigious flower show in the world.”

Chalgrove blacksmith Michael Jacques, 45, said: “This year we’re doing a mixture of traditional and contemporary work to demonstrate both our diversity and quality.”