Stay-at-home crowd boost Chelsea show

There were more than green shoots at the Chelsea Flower Show this year. Exhibitors reported sales up 50% on last year as stay-at-home Britons splash out on their backyards.

Hose firm Hozelock said takings were more than double 2008 figures, with big-ticket items like whole-garden irrigation systems selling as well as cheaper models.

Luxury retailers were also celebrating as they packed up stands this afternoon.

At Oxley's Weatherproof Furniture, where the cheapest sunlounger costs £700, owner Simon Hudson has sold 50% more furniture than at last year's show, making "tens of thousands" of pounds during the week. He said: "I've sold more sunloungers this month than in the whole of last year, and just at this week's show, 10 customers have bought £6000 dining tables.

"Customers say that since they're staying at home this summer, they want to make the most of it."

First-time exhibitor Hamish Mackie, a sculptor, said Chelsea was a "scary" investment that had paid off.

"I was nervous about coming in the current climate. I had to pay £7000 for my stand, but it has been worthwhile," he said.

"I've sold 11 sculptures, which cost up to £40,000, and also had international interest from developers from New York and Dubai."