Decking's <i>so</i> last year

It is the ultimate event in the horticultural calendar, attracting thousands of gardeners from around the world.

The Chelsea Flower Show, which starts on Tuesday, is used to being ahead of the game, forecasting what is in and what is not.

This year the experts - who include among their number celebrities such as Diarmuid Gavin and Terence Conran - are all agreed on one thing. The look for this year's garden is natural, eco-friendly and heavy on the foliage.

But what they also agree on is that the thing most out of vogue is decking - any decking. It is nowhere to be seen among the hallowed gardens of Chelsea this year.

"I would definitely never choose to put decking in a garden," said Julian Dowle, a former gold medallist at Chelsea who this year has designed the Salvation Army's From Darkness to Light garden.

The demise of decking is bad news for Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh, but there is good news for his on-screen partner Charlie Dimmock, with water features very much in favour. Mr Dowle pointed out that most exhibitors had incorporated a water feature in their garden. "Water is very calming, he said. "I think it brings sparkle and light into a garden. The sound is also very relaxing."

As the Royal Horticultural Society celebrates its 200th anniversary, many gardeners are rediscovering exotic plants first brought back by the early explorers.

Stephen Bennett, shows director at the RHS, told the Standard: "Themes are starting to emerge as the exhibits get under way.

"Green is definitely the in colour this year, that's happened quite naturally. We have been encouraging more eco-friendly gardens as well.

"People do go to the show to get inspiration for what they are going to do in their own gardens and there is a staggering range on offer this year."

Most gardeners are turning their backs on garish colours in favour of a toned-down look with more emphasis on green space, he added.

The Chelsea Flower Show runs from 25 to 28 May. Tickets must be bought in advance.