Queen Elizabeth attends the Chelsea Flower Show

May 24, 2010, 12:04 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth is to visit the Chelsea Flower Show today (24.05.10).

The 84-year-old monarch will be treated to a garden inspired by Professor Stephen Hawking and another which recreates Australian outdoor life as she strolls around the gardens of the world famous exhibition in London.

The queen will be joined by other members of the royal family as they look at what's on offer before it officially opens to members of the public.

The royal visit comes as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) warns British gardens are under threat from new housing developments.

Guy Barter, head of RHS advisory, said gardens were "precious" and stressed the importance to preserve them so they could continue supporting biodiversity, particularly in urban areas.

He told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "Any garden, whether contemporary or more traditional, is full of living organisms and is remarkably rich compared to other environments, such as some kinds of modern farmland.

"In fact, diversity in garden types and styles, taken with other nearby features - railways, canals or parks, for example - provide the range of habitats that make urban environments in sustaining biodiversity."

The queen will be joined by husband Prince Philip, Princess Alexandra, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester.