Spectacular Displays at 2012 Chelsea Flower Show [PHOTOS]

The 99th Chelsea Flower Show features the finest examples of horticultural excellence and the latest gardening trends.

For five days, the show, which takes place on the sprawling grounds of the Royal Hospital, will attract thousands of visitors from across the world.

Often referred to as the "catwalk of the gardening world", the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show is the first event of the summer social season.

The severe drought in southeast England has led to the imposition of water restrictions and Chelsea designers have responded by making responsible water use one of the show's key themes, according to Reuters.

This year's show will display gardens from a host of renowned designers, including Andy Sturgeon for show sponsors M&G Investments, Cleve West for Brewin Dolphin and Joe Swift for Homebase.

Floral designs are also on display from some of the UK's best florists and floral arrangers, along with scientific and educational displays, while RHS experts are on hand to answer any gardening questions.

Ahead of its official public opening, the Queen attended the show, where she spoke to exhibitors and viewed the lush displays.

The 2012 show reportedly has a patriotic feeling to it due to the nationwide celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics later in the summer.

According to reports, flowerbeds were woven into Union Jack flag patterns and small flags also adorned the dresses, jackets and T-shirts of attendees. As part of the jubilee celebrations, new varieties of flowers were also unveiled at the event.

Since its inception in 1862, the flower show has been extremely popular with the public and attracts around 157,000 visitors each year.

Catch a glimpse of the spectacular displays of the 2012 Chelsea Flower Show: