Shopping at the Chelsea Flower Show

Although you can’t buy plants at Chelsea (except for very little ones) there are plenty of shopping opportunities – and if you don’t feel like lugging your purchases round with you, with most things you can window shop and buy them later online. Here’s my eclectic pick of some of the products that caught my eye.

One of a series of charming or thought provoking laser cut panels from the Sculpture by the Lakes stand. Prices on application.

Tripod ladders are by far the best solution for gardens – safer, more stable, adjustable for uneven or sloping ground and much more versatile. Prices start at £245 from Henchman. What price safety?

Not actually for sale, but a great idea for anyone with a modicum of DIY ability was this plant stand put together from three apple/potato trays of different sizes and given a splash of grey paint.

The Irrigatia solar watering system is discreet and very clever – it can be used from mains water or from a water butt. Prices start at £79.95 from Irrigatia.

This glorious metal Flower Gate is made by master blacksmith Michael Jacques – it’s £4500, so not an impulse purchase – but covetably lovely.

Tendamesh from Agralan is a new superlight version of the popular and effective Enviromesh which is so effective at keeping creepy crawlies off the vegetables. It can be used on easily crushes salads such as rocket or spinach. £1.80 per running metre or £8 per pack from www.enviromesh.co.uk

Top of the Rabbit proof props (£29.95) in my opinion is this bottomless wire basket from www.crocus.co.uk – it’s attractive, prevent plants flopping and will protect young plants from the nibblers.