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The Chelsea Flower Show has been postponed for the first time in its 108-year history.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has moved the May show to September.

Sue Biggs, RHS director general, said:

“In these challenging times we have always followed government advice and made difficult, responsible decisions with the health and safety of people our key concern.

“Whilst we are sad to have had to delay RHS Chelsea and are sorry for the disruption this will cause, we are excited that we are still planning to bring the world’s best-loved gardening event to the nation at a time when more people are gardening more than ever.

“We know that the autumn dates may not be suitable for everyone, but with our fantastic industry partners we will do everything we can to support them and create a show that will be a moment in history.

“It will be exciting to see different horticulture and showcase the key autumn gardening season at the world’s most famous flower show.

“We believe many designers and nurseries will look forward to working with different plants that would not be available or at their best in May.

“Never have so many people gardened in recent times, nor needed the benefits of gardening more, so we will do our utmost to deliver a beautiful, uplifting and different RHS Chelsea safely in September 2021.”