Pollution blamed as nettles and grasses flourish – and force out much-loved species

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Serves 4-6

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It was a revelation to discover Mr Cameron's closeness to the shooting community

Nicolas Almagro came out smelling of flowers from his fourth-round match today after he landed in a heap on one of the courtside geranium displays - and emerged unscathed thanks to his "big bottom".

"No prizes, no medals, no judging," says Chelsea Fringe director Tim Richardson with a grin on his face; and it's clear that this long-time enthusiast and critic of flower shows has something different in mind. Two weeks ago The Independent on Sunday gave away a guide to highlights of the Chelsea Fringe, but now things are in full swing there have been pleasures both planned and surprising.

My heart goes out to republican-minded malcontents at this time. It must be dismal seeing the bunting go up in your street and have the papers gushing about how you should bake an Elizabeth sponge, when you regard the monarchy as a travesty that was outdated in feudal times. The great thing about being the citizen of an actual republic, yet resident in a kingdom with functioning royalty, is that you can marvel at the pomp and ceremony, completely free of inner conflict. You can – as I, an Irishwoman, did on Tuesday – hail a taxi and say "take me to Buckingham Palace" , without compromising your democratic values. Some of my English colleagues were full of contempt.

A garden celebrating the popularity of topiary has scooped best in show at the Chelsea Flower Show.

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The blue and yellow livery of your tractors," Nick Clegg said, pausing for comic timing, "is tailor-made for the political, er, situation." It was a joke. It relied for its effect on the company colour scheme. This consists of a Conservative blue background on which lettering is rendered in yellow, a colour favoured by the Liberal Democrats. The DPM was making a link with his audience. He was getting in touch with them by comparing their mutual colour schemes.

Even the most minimally minded can't fail to be seduced by pattern this spring. Rebecca Gonsalves rounds up some of the finest on offer

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